Supreme Court dismisses order barring SDP’s Ajaka from inspecting election materials
![Murtala Yakubu-Ajaka and Usman Ododo](https://i1.wp.com/gazettengr.com/wp-content/uploads/Murtala-Yakubu-Ajaka-and-Usman-Ododo.png)
On Thursday, the Supreme Court dismissed the order barring the Social Democratic Party candidate, Murtala Ajaka, from inspecting election materials used in the November 2023 election in Kogi.
In a unanimous decision, the apex court upheld the order of the governorship election petition tribunal, which granted the candidate of the SDP permission to inspect election materials.
Justice Emmanuel Agim, while delivering the judgment, held that the trial court’s order was within the scope of section 146 of the Electoral Act.
The tribunal had in November last year granted an ex parte order, allowing the SDP and its governorship candidate to conduct a forensic examination of all the Bimodal Voters Accreditation system, BVAS, used in the election, among other reliefs.
However, a three-member panel of justices of the Court of Appeal, led by Justice J.O.K. Oyewole, set aside the inspection order in its ruling on March 1, 2024.
The apex court had stayed the execution of the orders of the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal, setting aside the inspection order.
However, on Thursday, the apex court dismissed the appellate court’s decision and upheld the trial court’s decision.
“We do not agree with the Court of Appeal. The motion was filed out of time. Secondly, the order of the trial court was within the scope of section 146 of the Electoral Act.
“In light of the foregoing, this appeal is allowed, and the cross-appeal dismissed with no costs,” the court held.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
![Katsina State](https://i1.wp.com/gazettengr.com/wp-content/uploads/1863B29B-AC06-49E0-ADFA-655BBEC3389A.jpeg)
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
![Governor Hyacinth Alia](https://i1.wp.com/gazettengr.com/wp-content/uploads/Hyacinth-Alia-1.png)
Politics
Governor Alia submits nominees for Benue electoral commission
Vincent Gisaor is nominated to serve as secretary.
![NSCDC AND ICPCP](https://i1.wp.com/gazettengr.com/wp-content/uploads/Untitled-1mfdv.png)
Anti-Corruption
Civil Defence, ICPC resolve to partner in fight against corruption
The commandant said the agencies need to rid the state of criminality and all other forms of social vices.
![LASSA FEVER; RODENTS](https://i1.wp.com/gazettengr.com/wp-content/uploads/xcdv.png)
Health
Lassa Fever: Epidemiologist tasks FG, states on adequate PPE supply
Also, data from the Africa CDC estimates 100,000 to 300,000 annual Lassa fever infections in West Africa, with approximately 5,000 deaths.
![NORTHERN FOOD; GOVERNOR](https://i1.wp.com/gazettengr.com/wp-content/uploads/xcx.png)
Politics
Jigawa governor to spend N2 billion on Ramadan food
The Jigawa government has approved N2.8 billion to feed the needy and vulnerable people in the state during Ramadan.
![PUTIN VOTING](https://i1.wp.com/gazettengr.com/wp-content/uploads/cvgb.png)
World
Putin tells Russians to vote in presidential election overshadowed by fraud allegations
Russians are due to head to the polls for a presidential election that will conclude on Sunday, with Putin seeking a further six-year term.