Today, 25th, August 2023, the Labour Party, the 3rd Respondent in the matter brought by Chief Okey Ahiwe challenging the declaration of Mr. Alex Otti as the winner of the Abia State Governorship Election, was to open their proposed defense wherein they scheduled to call five (5) Witnesses. But to the shock of everybody, they didn’t call any Witness but tendered two (2) documents from the bar as evidence in support and thereafter closed their defense.

Professor Paul Ananaba SAN, the lead Counsel to the Petitioners didn’t object to the admissibility of the documents but happily called them, “very good documents”. The Tribunal admitted the documents and marked them as exhibits before the court.

The documents tendered by the Labour Party Lawyers were Certified True Copies of the Kano Federal High Court Judgment between Ibrahim Haruna vs INEC & Another and the Appeal Court, Kano Division ruling under the FHC Judgement in case number CA/KN/101/M/2023, made on the 27th May 2023, between Alex Chioma Otti vs Ibrahim Haruna & 2 Ors.

Professor Paul Ananaba SAN, also brought to the attention of the court, his pending application seeking to hold the Independent National Electoral Commission in contempt for flouting the order of the court by refusing to allow the Petitioners access for forensic inspection of digital contents of the BVAS used for the gubernatorial election.

The application after exhaustive debate by lawyers to both parties, was reserved for ruling on the day of judgment.

Finally, the tribunal adjourned until the 7th of September, 2023 for the adoption of Final Written Addresses. The Petitioners and Respondents were given 5 days each for their written addresses, while an additional 2 days were given to the Respondents to reply on points on the law.

Professor Paul Ananaba SAN on behalf of the entire lawyers, thanked the 3 man panel for their patience, guidance, and lessons learned. He prayed to God to give them the wisdom and courage to deliver Judgment according to the law without fear or favor. In his response on behalf of the panel, member 2, thanked the lawyers for their commendable conduct throughout the proceedings and wished them well.

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