26th May, 2015
The Lagos State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal on Tuesday granted leave to the All Progressives Congress (APC) to inspect documents and gadgets used in the April 11 gubernatorial elections.
The tribunal Chairman, Justice Muhammad Sirajo, gave the order when he ruled on an application filed by the APC Counsel, Chief Charles Edosomwan (SAN).
NAN reports that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Mr Jimi Agbaje, had challenged the election.
Agbaje had alleged that there were some irregularities during the election which contravened the provisions of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s approved guidelines.
Joined as co-respondents were; the governor-elect, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, INEC and INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner for Lagos State.
In its ruling, the tribunal noted that the application was not opposed by the PDP and Agbaje’s Counsel, Mr Clement Onwuenwunor and INEC represented by Mr E.R. Emukpoeruo.
The tribunal ordered INEC to provide Certified True Copies of all polling documents, including printed data in each polling units and the card readers.
It also granted leave to the party to inspect, by way of machine/electronic scanning of all ballot papers and other electoral materials used in the election.
“At the time of inspection, all parties have every right to be present unless they waive their rights to be there,” it held.
Meanwhile, Sirajo has said the tribunal is ready to dispense with the petition within the 180 days stipulated by Section 285 (6) of the 1999 Constitution.
Sirajo, who stated this on Tuesday, appealed to all parties to desist from filing frivolous applications and seeking incessant adjournments to delay and frustrate the tribunal.
The chairman said the tribunal was not here to do any body’s bidding, but to do justice in the matter according to their professional oath.
He, therefore, advised both Ambode and Agbaje to sensitise their supporters to conduct themselves in an orderly manner during the proceedings.