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INEC Closes Defence In SDP, Ajaka’s Petition Against Gov. Ododo’s Election Victory—-The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Tuesday, closed its defence in the petition filed by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and its candidate, Murtala Ajaka, against the election victory of Gov. Usman Ododo of Kogi.

INEC’s counsel, Uchenna Njoku, made this known to the Kogi State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja, shortly after he tendered more documents against the SDP’s petition.

Njoku told the three-member panel of justices, led by Justice Ado Birnin-Kudo, that INEC did not intend to call any witness having assessed the case of the petitioners.

“My lords, the 1st respondent, having reviewed the state of pleadings in this petition, the evidence elicited from petitioners’ witnesses under cross examination, and the documents so far tendered in evidence by the 1st respondent, considers it reasonable not to further belabour the tribunal with the calling of witnesses.

“In the circumstances, the 1st respondent (INEC) applies to close its case,” the lawyer said.

Justice Birnin-Kudo, who declared the commission’s case closed, adjourned the matter until April 16 for Gov. Ododo (2nd respondent) to open its defence.

It would be recalled that INEC conducted the Kogi governorship election on Nov. 11, 2023.

However, the SDP and its governorship candidate in the poll are challenging the declaration of Ododo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the poll.

In the petition, INEC, Ododo and APC are listed as 1st to 3rd respondents respectively.

Earlier in the course of Tuesday’s proceedings, Njoku told the tribunal that INEC brought the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices used for the election as ordered by the court on Nov. 25, 2023.

Njoku also tendered three sets of documents, which included a letter, dated Feb. 22 forwarding the BVAS, a document containing the summary of the BVAS devices and another documents containing the BVAS’ identification numbers.

When Njoku applied to tender the documents, Ibrahim Sanni Mohammed, SAN, who appeared for Ododo and Ayo Asala, SAN, who appeared for the APC, did not object to the admissibility of the exhibits.

Lawyer to SDP and Ajaka, Pius Akubo, SAN, objected on the grounds that it was only documents that were tendered without the actual exhibits.

Ruling, tribunal’s Chairman, Justice Birnin-Kudu, admitted the documents as exhibits and marked them accordingly.

The BVAS tendered were in relation to seven LGAs, including Okehi, Ajaoukuta, Basa, Ogori-Magongo, Lokoja, Adavi and Okene.

Meanwhile, Ododo has indicated his readiness to open his defence on Wednesday.

His lawyer, Mohammed, disclosed this upon being asked by the tribunal’s chairman when the 2nd respondent was willing to open his defence.

Mohammed assured the tribunal that his client was ready to commence his defence on Wednesday.

NAN reports that the electoral umpire, on Monday, tendered some electoral documents used in the conduct of the poll in defence of its case.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Lagos 2027: Governor Sanwo-Olu Endorses Obafemi Hamzat as APC Aspirant

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Sanwo-Olu Endorses Obafemi Hamzat as APC Aspirant

Lagos 2027: Governor Sanwo-Olu Endorses Obafemi Hamzat as APC Aspirant—-Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has thrown his weight behind his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, as his preferred successor for the 2027 governorship election—an early move that is already stirring quiet conversations within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The endorsement did not come in the open. Instead, it followed a closed-door meeting at Lagos House, Marina, where Hamzat reportedly informed key stakeholders of his intention to run. Present at the gathering were members of the State Executive Council, party leaders, and influential figures within the Governor’s Advisory Council.

Among those in attendance were former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, and former senator Ganiyu Solomon—names that signal the weight of the political bloc involved in the discussions.

Speaking afterwards, Sanwo-Olu described the decision as “unanimous,” framing it as a consensus among party stakeholders. But the speed and timing of the endorsement—well ahead of party primaries—have raised eyebrows about how firmly the succession plan may already be taking shape behind the scenes.

“We just received Mr Deputy… to inform us of his intention,” the governor said, adding that those present agreed he is “fit and well-prepared” for the role.

Sanwo-Olu leaned heavily on Hamzat’s track record and their long-standing working relationship, portraying him as a loyal and capable hand ready to take over. He went further, suggesting that Hamzat has effectively been groomed for the position from the outset.

“This is a deputy governor that is worth a governor from day one,” he said.

In a remark that may further fuel speculation, the governor also referenced President Bola Tinubu’s enduring influence in Lagos politics, hinting that the current development could be part of a longer-term political vision.

Observers note that describing the gathering as a “family meeting” may reflect the tightly knit nature of decision-making within the state’s political structure—where major alignments are often settled before they reach the public stage.

While Hamzat has long been regarded as a key player in Lagos politics, the early endorsement positions him more clearly at the centre of succession discussions, even before a formal campaign has begun.

With more than a year to go before party primaries, the move is already reshaping conversations within the APC, where control of Lagos—Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre—remains one of the most strategic political prizes.

Whether this early alignment holds or faces internal pushback in the months ahead is a question many party watchers are now quietly asking

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2027 Elections: Atiku Abubakar Backs Consensus Candidate for African Democratic Congress, Keeps Primaries as Option

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Atiku Abubakar Backs Consensus Candidate for African Democratic Congress

2027 Elections: Atiku Abubakar Backs Consensus Candidate for African Democratic Congress, Keeps Primaries as Option—-Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar says the African Democratic Congress (ADC) will prioritise a consensus approach in selecting its presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, but may conduct primaries if internal talks fail.

Speaking on a prime-time programme on Arise TV, Atiku explained that party leaders are working to avoid internal disputes by rallying around a single candidate through dialogue and agreement.

He expressed confidence that stakeholders would reach a common ground, noting that experienced politicians within the party understand the importance of unity.

According to him, the ADC is focused on strengthening Nigeria’s democracy, with members committed to managing differences without causing division.

Atiku also reiterated his willingness to support whoever emerges as the party’s flagbearer, regardless of the selection method.

He further stated that he is open to stepping aside for any aspirant, including Peter Obi, if they emerge as the preferred choice, emphasizing that unity within the party remains the top priority ahead of the 2027 elections.

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