NNPP’s Defence Opening Delayed at Kano State Election Petition Tribunal Due to Absence of Witnesses

Abba Yusuf, the candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), faced a setback in opening his defence at the Kano State Election Petition Tribunal on Friday. The All Progressives Congress (APC) had challenged the declaration of the NNPP candidate as the winner of the election conducted on March 18 by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Present in the matter before the tribunal were the respondents, namely INEC, Abba Yusuf, and the NNPP.

During the proceedings, Mr Eyitayo Fatigun SAN, the counsel representing Abba Yusuf, informed the court that they were unable to present their case due to the absence of three crucial witnesses. He explained that the witnesses encountered flight issues while trying to make their way from Abuja to Kano. Apologizing for the inconvenience, Fatigun requested an adjournment to a later date.

Counsel to INEC, Emmanuel Osayomi, and Counsel to NNPP, John Olusola SAN, did not oppose the request for an adjournment, acknowledging the legitimate reasons for the delay.

Similarly, Counsel to the petitioner, Offiong Offiong SAN, did not raise any objections to the second respondent’s request for an adjournment.

It is worth noting that on July 15, the APC had closed its case after presenting 32 witnesses, while INEC followed suit and closed its case on July 21.

Justice Oluyemi Akintan-Osadebay granted the request for an adjournment and postponed the proceedings until the following Saturday, allowing the NNPP the opportunity to present its defense before the tribunal.