Absence of witnesses stalls Gov Abba Yusuf’s opening defence

The absence of three witnesses on Friday stalled hearings in Abba Yusuf of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP)’s opening defence at the Kano State Election Petition Tribunal.

Supreme reports that the APC is challenging INEC's declaration of Yusuf of the NNPP as the winner of the election that was conducted on March 18.

The respondents are INEC, Yusuf, and the NNPP.

When the petition was called, Counsel to Yusuf, Mr. Eyitayo Fatigun, SAN, told the court that the three witnesses they had called were absent.

“We apologise because the three witnesses had flight issues getting to Kano from Abuja. My Lord, we seek an adjournment,” Fatigun said

Counsel to INEC, Emmanuel Osayomi, and Counsel to the NNPP, John Olusola SAN, did not oppose the prayer.

Counsel to the petitioner, Offiong Offiong SAN, also did not oppose the request for an adjournment by the second respondent.

Supreme reports that the APC closed its case on July 15 after calling 32 witnesses, while INEC closed its case on July 21.

Justice Oluyemi Akintan-Osadebay adjourned the matter until Saturday for the NNPP to open its case.

Supreme reports that the APC is also seeking a declaration that the NNPP has no candidate because Yusuf’s name was not on the party register that was submitted to INEC at the time of the election.