The Kogi State Election Petitions Tribunal has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission to grant access to election materials to the governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party, Murtala Ajaka.

The order follows an application filed by Ajaka’s lawyer, S.E Aruwa, SAN, stating that they have been unable to access crucial documents, including 42 items used in the conduct of the state governorship election. This lack of access has hindered their ability to proceed with Ajaka’s case.

Aruwa explained that all efforts to obtain these documents from INEC offices in Abuja and Lokoja have been unsuccessful, necessitating the tribunal’s intervention.

Presiding tribunal Judge, Justice Yusuf Birnin-Kudu, acknowledged the merits of the application, considering the provisions of the Constitution and the Electoral Law 2023.

He granted the application, ordering INEC to provide Ajaka’s counsel, led by John Adele, SAN, and Aruwa, SAN, with certified copies of the requested documents within two days.

Additionally, the tribunal chairman granted Adele’s request to compel INEC to provide access to the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System  and other electronic materials used in the election within 48 hours.

Following the ruling, Adele expressed confidence that INEC will adhere to the tribunal’s orders.