Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo yesterday opened his defence in the petition by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and its candidate in the last year’s governorship election, Murtala Ajaka.
SDP and Ajaka are challenging the victory of Ododo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the election.
Ododo tendered bundles of electoral documents in seven disputed local government areas in defence of his victory in the election before the Kogi State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal yesterday in Abuja.
At the commencement of proceedings, Ododo’s lawyer, Paul Daudu, told the tribunal that his client was ready to open his defence.
Daudu said Ododo, who is the second respondent, chose to begin his defence by tendering the certified true copies (CTCs) of the documents, which had also been served on the petitioners.
“It is only fair for them (petitioners) to peruse these documents to enable us take off,” Daudu said.
He sought a stand down of the hearing for about 30 minutes to allow the petitioners (SDP and Ajaka) peruse the documents.
Pius Akubo (SAN), who appeared for the petitioners, did not oppose the application.
The tribunal chairman, Justice Ado Birnin-Kudo, stood down the matter.
While the inspection of the documents was ongoing, the tribunal adjourned till today to give the parties sufficient time.
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