Date: 2011-07-11

The Gubernatorial election petition filed by the Kwara State Chapter of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN)  against the victory of the Peoples’ Democratic Party’s candidate, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, yesterday (Monday) in Ilorin, suffered a major setback at the resumed hearing of the State’s Election Petitions Tribunal as the tribunal turned down the two prayers sought by the petitioner.  

The Chairman of the Tribunal, Justice Ngozi Emehelu turned down the prayers of the ACN, which sought extension of time allotted for the inspection of electoral materials used for the April governorship election in the State from 8:00am-6:00pm and the inclusion of Saturday for the inspection.  

Justice Emehelu therefore upheld the suggestion of the INEC Counsel, Oladipo Durojaiye on the time of inspection of electoral materials at INEC headquarters and settled for 9:00am-5:30pm from Monday to Friday.  

The Chairman, who also frowned at the slow pace of the inspection exercise, said the petitioner should speed up the process by ensuring that more scanning machines were provided to enable the tribunal move forward and reduce wasting time.  

At the end of submissions from both parties, the tribunal adjourned further hearing on the petition till Thursday July 14. 

Justice Emehelu had earlier appealed to both parties to avoid wasting too much time on the issue and assured Kwarans that the tribunal would not fall short of expectations in the discharge of its assignment. 

Speaking with newsmen shortly after the petition was adjourned, the lead counsel to the PDP, Alhaji Yusuf Ola-Olu Ali (SAN) said the PDP candidate in the election, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed and his deputy convincingly won the election, pointing out that there was nothing to be afraid of.  

The PDP Secretary in the State, Prince Yemi Afolayan said the ACN was not interested in winning the case but just keep on buying time to delay judgement in order to continue to keep its people together.  

Afolayan observed that PDP was committed to dispose off the case in good time so that it can provide more dividends of democracy to the citizenry.  

Also speaking on the matter, Counsel to the ACN, Chief Charles Edosomwan (SAN) noted that his client was not responsible for slowing down the inspection process and expressed hope that ACN would certainly get Justice at the tribunal.  

In his own reaction, Counsel to INEC, Mr Oladipo Durojaiye expressed satisfaction with the proceedings and the conduct of members of the tribunal so far.  

Abdulwahab Oba
Chief Press Secretary to the Kwara State Governor
11/07/2011