The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has sought to invalidate its own certified results as evidence in its final argument in the ongoing election tribunal case between Ladi Adebutu and Dapo Abiodun.
Adebutu, represented by his counsel, Goddy Uche, SAN, has requested the court to admit and dismiss the written final addresses of the respondents, claiming they are misconceived and frivolous.
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Uche, in a strong objection to INEC’s sudden change of stance, led by Ikpeazu SAN, argued that it is scandalous for the commission’s counsel to object to a document that was certified by their own organization.
In his final address, Uche stated;
“We filed the adoption for admissibility of the document on 23rd August while the respondent replied to the admissibility document on 25th and the petitioners replied filed on 25th August.
“My Lord, we urge your lordship to admit and dismiss the written address of the respondents for being misconceived and frivolous.
“We urge your Lordships to sustain all the documents tendered by the petitioner which were certified and properly admitted in evidence by this honourable tribunal
“By way of adoption, let me say the first and send respondents are completely incompetent and outside the scope of the objection that was to be addressed. Namely, objection to the admissibility of evidence as an exhibit. I refer your Lordship to limit the court to admissibility.
“The court should discountenance to all issues of subpoenaed witnesses, and admitting evidence but deal with issues and the weight of the issues not probative value
“Even the issue of neutrality of expert or witness as propounded by the first respondent is not an issue of admissibility. INEC is mandated by law to issue and certify a true copy of the document once you paid.
“INEC as an institution funded by public funds once issued a document must be admitted. It is not correct for INEC counsel and scandalous for them to turn around to object to the document certified by them.
“We also, filed additional authorities to help Your Lordship.
“Accounting to my Learned Silk here, Certification goes for admissibility.”
The move has raised eyebrows and sparked speculation about the motives behind such a decision.
The election tribunal case revolves around the gubernatorial election held in the state earlier this year.
Ladi Adebutu, a prominent politician, is challenging the victory of Dapo Abiodun, who was declared the winner by INEC.
Adebutu’s legal team has been presenting their case, highlighting alleged irregularities and discrepancies in the election process.
The certified results, which INEC now seeks to invalidate, were initially submitted by the petitioner as an accurate reflection of the votes cast during the election.
The outcome of this election tribunal case will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for the political landscape of the state and the reputation of INEC.
Ojelabi, the publisher of Freelanews, is an award winning and professionally trained mass communicator, who writes ruthlessly about pop culture, religion, politics and entertainment.
