Confusion at Kogi Tribunal as Witnesses Disown Depositions

The Kogi Election Petition Tribunal in Abuja was gripped by mild drama as witnesses disavowed their earlier depositions before the panel. Four witnesses hailing from the Adavi Local Government Area of Kogi State testified in favor of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) before the three-member panel of justices led by Justice Ado Birnin-Kudu.

Despite giving similar accounts of their voting experiences during the November 11, 2023, governorship election, discrepancies emerged during cross-examination by the defense counsel. Notably, the witnesses distanced themselves from their sworn depositions, claiming they were not the authors and affirming they were mere voters, not polling agents.

Rufai Muhammed, one of the witnesses, initially stated in his deposition that no validly accredited voters participated in the election. However, under scrutiny, he admitted to being accredited and voting, disavowing his earlier statement. Similarly, Yakubu AbdulAzeez, citing a leg ailment, struggled to reconcile standing for hours during the election with his inability to stand during the tribunal hearing.

Hamza Abdul Azeez, another witness, admitted to submitting a complaint about over-voting but couldn’t recall the votes each party garnered in his polling unit. All witnesses claimed their lawyers drafted their depositions, though they couldn’t remember their lawyers’ identities.

The tribunal adjourned proceedings until April 2 following a request for adjournment by Jibrin Okutepa, SAN. Representation at the hearing included Kanu Agabi, SAN, for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Ibrahim Sani Muhammed, SAN, for Governor Usman Ododo, and AbdulWahab Muhammed, SAN, for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The witnesses, comprising Hamza Abdul Azeez, Said Muhammed, Yakubu Abdul Azeez, and Rufai Muhammed, all hailed from Adavi Local Government Area of Kogi. The SDP continues to contest the victory of Mr. Ododo of the APC in the November 11, 2023, governorship election in the state.