Tribunal grants Ajaka access to BiVAS, other INEC election materials

The Kogi State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal on Saturday in Lokoja granted the Candidate of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, Muritala Yakubu Ajaka access to the certified true copies of election documents used in the November 11 election in Kogi State.

The order was granted by the presiding tribunal Judge, Justice Yusuf Birnin-Kudu, who said the request was in accordance with the Constitution, 1999 as amended and also in line with the Electoral Act, 2023.

Lead Counsel to Muritala Ajaka, John Adele, SAN and S.E. Aruwa, SAN complained to the Tribunal that the Independent National Electoral Commission has not allowed the legal team to access certified true copies of documents used for the election.

In the Court Order, INEC was compelled to grant Ajaka’s team of lawyers access to the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System and other electronic materials used within 48 hours.

Speaking after the ruling, Adele expressed optimism that INEC will comply with the ruling of the tribunal, while S.E Aruwa said documents to be accessed are mainly 42 items used in the conduct of the state governorship election, so that they can proceed with the case.