By Idibia Gabriel, Kaduna
New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) on Monday, closed its case against the All Progressives Congress (APC) without calling any witness at the Kano State Election Petition Tribunal.
The petitioner, APC, is challenging INEC for declaring Abba Yusuf of the NNPP winner of the governorship election conducted on March 18.
Respondents in the petition are INEC, Yusuf and the NNPP.
At the resumed sitting, Counsel to NNPP, Mr Tijjani Yahaya, informed the tribunal that they will not present any witness, following careful review of evidence that has so far been laid by the witnesses through the petitioner.
“Also in view of evidence by the sole witness of the second respondent, there is no need for us to present any witness.
“My Lord, we humbly apply for the case to be closed,” Yahaya said.
Counsel to INEC, Emmanuel Osayomi, and Counsel to Yusuf, Eyitayo Fatigun SAN, did not object.
Counsel to the petitioner, Prof. Sam Erugo, also did not object.
The petitioner closed its case with 32 witnesses before the tribunal, while INEC closed their case without presenting any witness.
Yusuf also presented a lone witness during the hearing.
The three-man panel led by Justice Oluyemi Akintan-Osadebay, commended all parties for their good conduct and cooperation during the trial.
She ordered all parties to file their written addresses on Aug. 15, adding that there will be no extension of time.
Akintan-Osadebay adjourned the matter until Aug. 21, for adoption of final written address.
The petitioner is also asking the tribunal to declare that NNPP has no candidate as Yusuf was not in their register of voters submitted to INEC at the time of the election.
