Governor Usman Ododo opened his defence on Wednesday in the petition by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and its candidate in the last governorship election in Kogi state, Murtala Yakubu Ajaka.
SDP and Ajaka are challenging the victory of Ododo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the November 2023 election.
On Wednesday, Ododo tendered bundles of electoral documents in seven disputed local government areas (LGAs) in defence of his victory in the election before the Kogi State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Abuja.
At the commencement of proceedings on Wednesday, Ododo’s lawyer, Paul Daudu told the tribunal that his client was ready to open his defence.
Daudu said Ododo, who is the second respondent, chose to begin his defence with the tendering of the certified true copies (CTCs) of the documents which had also been served on the petitioners.
“It is only fair for them (petitioners) to peruse these documents to enable us take off,” Daudu said.
He, therefore, sought a stand down of the hearing for about 30 minutes to allow the petitioners (SDP and Ajaka) peruse the documents.
Pius Akubo, SAN, who appeared for the petitioners, did not oppose the application.
The tribunal Chairman, Justice Ado Birnin-Kudo subsequently stood down the matter.
While the inspection of the documents was ongoing, the tribunal elected to adjourned till the following day to afford parties suffecient time.
Hearing resumes on Thursday.
