The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) objected to the admissibility of documents tendered by the Labour Party and its candidate, Peter Obi, in aid of his petition against the election of President Bola Tinubu.
INEC argued that the petitioners went beyond the areas where the election was being disputed.
The chairman of the five-man panel, Justice Harunna Tsammani, held that it was unacceptable for INEC to give reasons for their objection after they had indicated that they would advance reasons at the address stage of proceedings.
Peter Afoba, SAN, who conducted the proceedings for Obi and LP, tendered additional exhibits to back up their petition against Tinubu.
The exhibits, which were admitted in evidence by the Justice Harunna Tsammani-led panel, consisted of certified true copies of results of the presidential election from six states of the federation – Adamawa, Bayelsa, Oyo, Edo, Lagos and Akwa Ibom states.
The petitioners also tendered evidence before the court, including the result from Bida Local Government Area in Niger State.
The court admitted results from 21 LGAs in Adamawa State, eight LGAs in Bayelsa State, 31 LGAs in Oyo State, 18 LGAs in Edo State, 20 LGAs in Lagos State, and 31 LGAs in Akwa Ibom State.
The panel adjourned to Monday, May 5, for a further hearing in the matter.
In summary, INEC objected to the admissibility of documents tendered by the petitioners, but the court admitted the documents and adjourned the case for further hearing.
Read Here: Peter Obi presents results of 6 States, 115 Local Governments as evidence
