The governorship election petition tribunal in Ogun State has dismissed an application filed by the counsel to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Gordy Uche, seeking a stand down during the proceedings. The application came after witnesses presented compelling evidence against the petitioners, including allegations of electoral infractions such as manipulation, disruption of the electoral process, and inducement through preloaded ATM cards with inscriptions of Ladi Adebutu’s late mother.
Four witnesses, Oyegunle Suleiman, Ifetayo Ifede, Adelani Yemi, and an official of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mr. Omotilewa, appeared before the tribunal with documents supporting their claims. The witnesses convincingly defended their statements, which were subsequently adopted and marked as exhibits.
Gordy Uche, the counsel for the petitioner, expressed the need for a stand down or an adjustment to prepare a defense, citing the extensive documents presented by the witnesses as an “ambush.” He objected to the tendering of the INEC reports and other documents submitted by the third respondent.
Chief Wole Olanipekun, counsel to the second respondent, argued that proceedings should continue despite the petitioner’s request for a stand down. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the coding of witness identities to prevent compromises and unnecessary attacks on prospective witnesses.
After considering the arguments from both sides, the tribunal ruled that the petitioner’s application for a stand down lacked merit and dismissed it. The objection to the line of questioning was overruled, and the tribunal adjourned the case for the adoption of written addresses by both parties, to take place on Monday, September 4, 2023, through soft copies.
