KADUNA GOV'RSHIP: INEC To Commence Defence Saturday As Ashiru, PDP Candidate Closes Case

"The opening and closure of the defence of the respondents must be done within the stipulated time of 10 days, as required by the law." Tribunal.

Gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP during the March 15 governorship elections in Kaduna State, Honourable Isa Ashiru, has closed his case (Thursday) at the ongoing governorship election tribunal.

Isa Ashiru, alongside his party, are in court to challenge the electoral victory of the incumbent Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani.

With the closure of Ashiru and his party’s case on Thursday before Justice Victor Oviawe’s led panel, the 1st (INEC), 2nd (Uba Sani) and 3rd APC respondents are expected to open their defence on Saturday.

According to the tribunal, the opening and closure of the defence of the respondents must be done within the stipulated time of 10 days, as required by the law.

At the resumed hearing on Thursday (3rd August 2023), Ashiru, through his lead counsel, Oluwole Iyamu (SAN) stood down his last subpoenaed witness who was an INEC official.

In his argument, Iyamu told the tribunal that the witness is not the right person to represent the Commission on the matter on ground, saying, “The petitioners shall be closing their case to allow the defence commence.”

Justice Oviawe said the petitioners, having closed their case, the defence has been opened.

Upon the arguments of both counsels, the case has been adjourned to Saturday, 5th, August, 2023, for the commencement of defence by the respondents.