Ekiti 2022: Panel Warns Parties Against Frivolous Adjournments

The Ekiti State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has concluded the pre-hearing formalities on the dispute arising from the June 18, 2022 governorship election in the state, warning that it would not tolerate frivolous adjournments from political parties.

The Tribunal at its sitting on Friday presided over by its Chairman, Justice Wilfred Kpochi, presented the Pre-Hearing Report to parties in the petition pursuant to Paragraph 18 (10) of the First Schedule of the Electoral Act, 2022, to guide further proceedings in the full hearing of the petition.

He emphasized that the Tribunal would not tolerate frivolous adjournments at full trial considering the fact that election petition matters must be concluded within the time allowed by law.

“Requests for frivolous and unnecessary adjournments shall not be tolerated or indulged. The Tribunal reserves the right to abridge time for doing any act allowed by the rules when necessary to fast-track the proceedings.”

Justice Kpochi who noted that the decision was arrived at with other panel members, Justice Sa’ad Zadawa and Justice J.A. Atsen said the guidelines to guide proceedings at full trial were rolled out after considering the areas of agreements by lawyers to parties before it and various answers to the pre-trial information sheet submitted by them.

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Respondents in the petition marked EPT/EKT/GOV/02/2022 are Mr. Biodun Oyebanji (1st), APC (2nd), Alhaji Mai Mala Buni, in his capacity as the National Chairman, APC Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (3rd), INEC (4th) and the Deputy Governor-elect who was Mr. Oyebanji’s running mate at the poll, Mrs. Monisade Afuye (5th).

Mr. Owoseni Ajayi appeared for the 1st and 2nd Petitioners (Chief Segun Oni and SDP). Appearing for the 1st and 5th Respondents (Mr. Oyebanji and Mrs. Afuye) was Mr. Olusola Dare while Mr. Adedayo Adewumi represented the 2nd Respondent (APC). Mr. Umar Abdulhameed announced appearance for 3rd Respondent (Buni) while Mr. Chris Onwugbonu appeared for the 4th Respondent (5th).

Lawyers to parties in the petition during the pre-trial had agreed on procedures which were communicated to the Tribunal on their behalf by lead counsel to Mr. Oyebanji, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).