INEC, Sen. Aliero, PDP to Tribunal: Today’s proceedings with cross examination of Petitioners witnesses does not amount to waives of our right

By Abdullahi Faruk Birnin Kebbi

In continuation of Hearing of petition filed by the immediate past Kebbi State governor, Sen. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu with suit No EPT/KB/SEN/2/2023 at the National and State Houses of Assembly Election Tribunal, Sitting in Birnin Kebbi, the State Capital.

The Counsel Independence Electoral Commission (INEC) as First Respondant, Barrister O. E. L . Ideh, Counsel to Sen. Muhammadu Adamu Aliero as Second Respondant, Barrister Patrick Okoh and Counsel to Peoples Democratic party (PDP) I. K Sanusi SAN as third Respondent respectively stated to the Tribunal that” our participation in today’s proceedings is under protest. They aver that their proceeding with Cross examination of Petitioners witnesses today does not amount to a waiver of their right to challenge the validity of today’s proceedings.

However, the petitioners time of six weeks prescribed by law to call witnesses have elapsed and respondants opposed to that but tribunal defers its ruling to the final judgement, Respondants Counsels reminded Tribunal”.

The Tribunal directed that all the Respondents can raise and argue their respective objection to the validity of today’s proceedings in their Final Written Addresses.

Petitioners called 5 witnesses who testified as PW24 to PW28. The witnesses were cross examined by 1st, 2nd and 3rd Respondents Counsel’s. Thereafter the Petitioners announced closure of their case.

The Tribunal Chairman Honourable Justice Margret Opara adjourned to 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th and 14th July, 2023 for Respondants to open defence.