The Kogi State Election Petitions Tribunal, sitting in Lokoja, has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to grant access to election materials to the governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Murtala Ajaka. The order was issued following an application filed by S.E Aruwa, SAN, citing difficulties in accessing essential documents related to the state governorship election.
Aruwa explained that efforts to obtain documents, including 42 items used in the election, from INEC offices in Abuja and Lokoja had been unsuccessful. Therefore, the tribunal, presided over by Justice Yusuf Birnin-Kudu, granted the application, considering it meritorious in accordance with the Constitution and the Electoral Law 2023.
The ruling directs INEC to provide counsel for Ajaka with certified copies of documents used in the governorship election within two days. Additionally, the tribunal granted a request to compel INEC to provide access to the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System and other electronic materials used within 48 hours.
The decision aims to facilitate the progress of the case brought by the governorship candidate, ensuring transparency and adherence to legal procedures.