Kano Guber Election: Tribunal Strike Out PDP Application For Extension Of Time To Inspect Electoral Materials

The Kano state governorship election petition tribunal on Monday strike out a fresh application filed by the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Abba Kabiru Yusuf, seeking an extension of time for the inspection of electoral materials.

Counsel to Abba Kabir Yusuf, Barrister Bashir Yusuf Mohammed had filed an application, supported with a 13 paragraph affidavit seeking the for an exparte order for extension of period for the inspection of electoral materials, 20 days after the tribunal ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)  to allow the opposite party access.

Although, PDP had exhausted the privileges of Federal high court which stipulated fourteen days for expiration of exparte order and seven days expiration as applicable at Kano state high court, counsel to PDP, Barrister Bashir claimed the period combined were inadequate to obtain all information required.

Moreover, Barrister Bashir lamented PDP was only able to obtain required document from 13 out of 44 local government while accusing the 1st and 2nd respondents of frustrating the exercise.

But, Justice Halima Shamaki who stressed that PDP’s application of exparte order may not serve the merit it deserved, since the contending parties are not given the opportunity to defend the allegations.

Justice Shamaki however urged PDP to rather adopt an application for motion on notice to enable the tribunal compelled all parties involve to examine the electoral materials within a stipulated schedule.

Although the court explained that the urgent need for the electoral materials may not be necessary since the PDP had filed her petition, the tribunal however pledged to strike balance and maintain justice with all parties involve.

But in a swift reaction, counsel to Governor Abdullahi Ganduje , Barrister Musa Abdullahi Lawan objected to allegation of PDP insisting that the PDP had exhausted more than required time to examine electoral materials.

Barrister Lawan expressed APC readiness to defend and meet all requirement of the court in the interest of justice.

The court then adjourned till Monday 6th, May, 2019 for hearing on fresh application for motion on notice, after the PDP graciously adopted the court recommendation.

Meanwhile, Justice Shamaki granted PDP’s application to withdraw the prayers to serve Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje a petition by substituted means.

Governor Ganduje personally received the petition on Sunday 28th of April, 2019, an action which compelled the opposition to withdraw their earlier application.

Solacebase gathered that Ganduje was away on lesser pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia in the last two weeks, frustrating PDP’s efforts to personally serve the governor as required by electoral act.