By: Bomba Dauda
The election petition tribunal sitting in Bida Road, kaduna began the substantive hearing of the petition filed by Hon. Haliru Gambo Dàngana, APC candidate for the Kaduna State House of Assembly rerun election of 25th February, 2020 challenging the victory of Mrs. Comfort Amwe of the PDP.
In the Petition, the Petitioner prayed for the tribunal to declare him the valid winner of the February, 2020 rerun election.
At the hearing session, Counsel to the defendant, Barr. Samuel Atung, cross examined the witness to the petitioner cum the APC Returning Officer of the two elections: 9th March 2019 general election and 25th January, 2020 rerun election, Alhaji Yahaya Baba Parte.
During the cross examination by Samuel Atung, Esq the witness inter-alia admitted that he has no evidence to prove that the election result for Amar Lada polling unit inrespect of the 9th March, 2019 was included in the collated results for Ninzom South Ward for the said election.
The witness also denied the existence of election results for Ninzom South Ward for the same election duly certified by INEC, however he couldn’t produce the result an alternative result which he said is with his party (APC)
After the cross examination of Haliru’s witness, Counsel to the Petitioners IK Bawa ,SAN, said, “The petitioner does not intend to call any other witness in this matter.”
Learned Counsel to INEC, Barr. Halima Suleiman subsequently prayed for an adjournment to enable her open her defence.
The tribunal acceded to the application for an adjournment and accordingly adjourned the petition to 7th May, 2020 for defence when INEC is expected to open its case.
