Atiku Seeks Adjournment to Tender More Evidence against Tinubu

* Alleges INEC not forthcoming with release of vital documents 

Alex Enumah in Abuja

Shortly after tendering electoral documents from 10 local governments in Kogi State in proof of alleged irregularities and malpractices in the February 25 presidential election, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, sought for a short adjournment to enable him tidy his presentation at the Presidential Election Petition Court (PREPEC).

At the resumed hearing on Tuesday, Atiku’s lawyer, Mr Eyitayo Jegede (SAN), informed the court that the petitioners (Atiku and PDP) desired to tender certain sets of documents available to them as well as other documents from officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) “on which subpoena has been issued and other subpoenaed officials”.

However, after tendering a Notice of Discountenance in Suit SC/CV/254/2023 between Attorney General of Adamawa and six others versus the Attorney General of the Federation and Form EC8A in respect of 10 local governments in Kogi State, the petitioners could not go on with the day’s proceedings.

This was as a result of observations and complaints from both the bench and respondents on the manner in which the petitioners were presenting the said incriminating evidence.

Although, the schedule of documents was filed along with the exhibits, but the court observed that tendering such sensitive exhibits piecemeal would not be of any help especially in the areas of marking and numbering them.

The documents tendered by Atiku and PDP were mainly documents used for the February 25 presidential election, which involved 10 local government areas of Ankpa, Dekina, Idah, Ofu, Olamaboro, Yagba East, Yagba West, Kabba-Bunu, Igalamela Odolu and Kogi.

Responding, the senior lawyer blamed INEC for deliberately refusing to supply his client with the vital documents.

Speaking further, Jegede disclosed that the petitioners have paid as much as N6 million for the supply of certified true copies of the exhibits, adding that INEC  had not been forthcoming and cooperating as required and envisaged.

He explained that the petitioners in order to safe the situation had to subpoenae top officials of INEC to bring the required documents before the court.

He however pleaded with the court for a short adjournment to enable him approach the electoral body to do the needful.

The request for adjournment was not opposed by lawyers representing INEC, Tinubu and APC, following which the matter was adjourned till Wednesday June 7.