The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) concluded its case against the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday at the Kano State Election Petition Tribunal, opting not to call any witnesses.
The petitioner, APC, is challenging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for declaring Abba Yusuf of NNPP as the winner of the governorship election held on March 18.
Respondents in the petition are INEC, Yusuf and the NNPP.
The News Agency of Nigeria reported that at the resumed sitting, Counsel to NNPP, Mr Tijjani Yahaya, informed the tribunal that they will not present any winess, following careful review of evidence that has so far been laid by the witnesses through the petitioner.
“Also in view of evidence by the sole witness of the second respondent, there is no need for us to present any witness.
“My Lord, we humbly apply for the case to be closed,” Yahaya said.
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Counsel to INEC, Emmanuel Osayomi, and Counsel to Yusuf, Eyitayo Fatigun SAN, did not object.
Counsel to the petitioner, Prof. Sam Erugo, also did not object.
Good Evening Nigeria recalls that the petitioner closed its case with 32 witnesses before the tribunal, while INEC closed their case without presenting any witness.
Governor Yusuf closed his defence against the All Progressives Congress (APC), with the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Abdullahi Baffa-Bichi, as a sole witness.
The three-man panel led by Justice Oluyemi Akintan-Osadebay, commended all parties for their good conduct and cooperation during the trial.
She ordered all parties to file their written addresses on Aug. 15, adding that there will be no exention of time.
Akintan-Osadebay adjourned the matter until Aug. 21, for adoption of final written address.
The petitioner is also asking the tribunal to declare that NNPP has no candidate as Yusuf was not in their register of voters submitted to INEC at the time of the election.
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