The Ekiti State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has criticised the Social Democratic Party, SDP, for delaying the presentation of witnesses in its challenge against Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s election victory.
The tribunal’s chairman, Justice Abubakar Idris Kutigi, expressed concern over what he described as unnecessary delays by the petitioner’s lawyer, Ebenezer Akingbule, who appeared in place of the lead counsel, Adebayo Adewole.
The SDP and 1st petitioner in the case, is challenging the victory of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, the candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress in the June 20 election, claiming that the conduct of the poll did not substantially comply with the Provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026. The party’s candidate, Isaac Adedayo Alade, withdrew his petition on Monday, leaving the SDP to continue with the case.
At the trial on Monday, Justice Kutigi could not hold back his disappointment at the counsel to the petitioner over inability to present witnesses in court and for craving for adjournment to do same, after telling the panelists that the witnesses were ready.
Justice Kutigi, who frowned at the action, said the SDP lawyer must make up his mind and ensure the matter is not stalled unnecessarily, saying procrastination could constitute serious snags and impediments to the electoral trial.
Mr Akingbule apologised to the tribunal and said the party had 11 witnesses to present, but they were unavailable because of unforeseen circumstances. Justice Kutigi granted a short adjournment and ordered the lawyer to present the witnesses on Wednesday, 16 September.
Lawyers representing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Governor Oyebanji, Barr Suleiman Ibrahim and Adetunji Oso respectively, also criticised the delay, urging the tribunal to ensure the case proceeds without further obstruction. The tribunal warned that continued delays could affect the speedy determination of the electoral dispute.
