Tribunal: APC Withdraws Hudu Ari As Witness, Hearing Adjourns To August 2
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has stepped down the suspended Adamawa INEC REC, Hudu Ari Yunusa as a key witness who was brought to testify in favour of Sen. Aishatu Binani, but couldn't.
During the hearing, Counsel to Governor Fintiri, Damian Dodo, SAN, had argued that Hudu was not part of the witness list presented by the petitioner to the court initially, insisting that he cannot be allowed to testify.
The lawyer also contended that the former INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, Hudu was removed as an umpire as at the time of the election.
Mohammed Lawan, Counsel to INEC who aligned himself with the submissions of Dodo insisted that APC has failed to follow the right procedures in putting forward the evidence to the court as at when due.
Counsel to Senator Binani, Akin Olujimi, SAN, told the court that every witness called by the party to the proceeding has a right, asking the court to allow Hudu testify.
In the resumed hearing on Monday, when the tribunal is expected to give ruling on whether Hudu should be allowed to testify or not, APC's Counsel, Olujimi raised a motion where he prayed to withdrew the service of Hudu Ari as witness after due consultations with his client, Binani and other colleagues.
The Chairman of the three-member panel of the tribunal, Justice Theodora Obi Uloho granted the prayer of the petitioner and ruled that the APC will no longer have any witness to present.
On that premise, the All Progressives Congress Congress, APC has now closed its case while Dr. Umar Ardo of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, prepares for adoption of finally written address today, Tuesday.
Justice Theodora has adjourned the matter till August 2nd for further hearing when the PDP will begin its defense and other respondents to present their witnesses in court.
©️ MIRACLE MUSA
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