By Ado Hassan, Sokoto
The Governorship, National and State Houses of Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Sokoto had Tuesday adjourned for wrongful service to May 16, 2019 the pre-hearing session into the petition filed by Rep. Abdulsamad Dasuki.
Dasuki a lawmaker on the platform of (PDP Sokoto), representing Kebbe/Tambuwal Federal Constituency in the Hoyse of Representatives was defeated at thev recently concluded 2019 general elections by Bala Kokani of All Progressives Congress (APC).
However, not satisfied with the outcome, the lawmaker, approached the tribunal to challenge the return of Kokani on the grounds that the election was marred with irregularities.
Accordingly, the resumed hearing, Counsel to Dasuki, Dr Garba Usman-Tatangi (SAN), told the tribunal that he was not served with reply processes made by the APC, who is third respondent in the petition filed by the lawmaker.
After arguments by the Counsels, the Tribunal Chairman, Justice Yusuf Ubale, observed that the processes were served on different Counsel and adjourned the pre-trial session to allow for proper service.
Similarly, Justice Ubale granted the prayer by Mr Tolani Oladipo, Counsel to Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for filing processes out of time.
The tribunal had earlier granted Rep. Dasuki leave to inspect used election materials comprising results sheet, ballot papers, card readers and obtained certified documents with Independent National Electoral Commission .
Dasuki, had sought to inspect election materials and uncollected PVC’s at 21 wards the constituency.
Hiwever, Counsel to Kokani, Mr Solomon
Alimasunya and Counsel to APC, Mr Nuhu Adamu did not object to INEC request seeking extention of time to file processes out of time.
