The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has opened its defence on the petition brought by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) challenging the conduct of March 8, 2023, Kaduna governorship election, won by Uba Sani of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The electoral body said it has been consistent in its stance that the APC flag bearer and incumbent governor of the state, won a free and fair poll and the process; in substantial compliance with the extant laws, guiding election conduct in Nigeria.

The tribunal hearing the dispute over the poll, adjourned for INEC to open its defence, following the Thursday dramatic closure of the case, by PDP and its candidate, Mohammed Ashiru Isa.

The petitioners had through subpoena, called a staff of the electoral body as a vital witness to their case, but quickly abandoned the quest when the deposition of the witness, contradicted their claim that the election wasn’t free and fair.

Earlier in the proceedings, another summoned INEC witness had contradicted the case of the petitioners, confirming under cross-examination by the legal team of Governor Sani, that the governorship election was free and fair, to the chagrin of the petitioners.

Apparently not to be caught gasping again, the petitioners decided to abruptly close their case, instead of putting the summoned INEC official in the witness box.

The tribunal also listed part of today’s proceedings, for Governor Sani to open his defence, with the defence of INEC, expected to be within the allotted time.

The governor’s defence of his mandate, is expected to run from today, through Friday.

The party that sponsored him; APC, will take its turn on Saturday, through Monday, defending its candidate in the election.

The conclusion of the ruling party’s defence, will lead to parties in the petition, presenting their final address, on a day, yet to be chosen by the tribunal, which conclude proceedings in the sole pending petition against the governor’s election.
The tribunal is expected to adjourn for judgement thereafter.

The governor had tabled motions that should ordinarily end proceedings midway, citing the most recent unanimous judgement of the Court of Appeal, but the Kaduna tribunal had carried on, promising to deliver ruling on those motions at an unspecified future date.
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