The Plateau State Governorship Election petition tribunal yesterday ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to produce the certified true copies (CTC) materials used as requested by the defeated People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and its candidate.
Counsel to the PDP, and its Candidate Senator Gyang Pwajok, Barrister Israel Olorundare SAN, had written to INEC, seeking for the certified true copies (CTC), of forms EC8(a), to EC8(e)
The applicants also sought for the CTC of serial number of ballot papers used in Mangu, Jos North and Wase Local Government Areas of the State, they also sought for the CTC of registered numbers of voters in the three respective LGAs.
According to the motion on notice before the tribunal the PDP and its candidate had sought for an order of the tribunal to let INEC allow its external forensic experts to inspect the materials.
At the proceeding the INEC head of logistics Mr. Frederick Ogmuji, that represented the INEC head of operations Mr. Y.S Kunduk, had told the tribunal that they have received two applications in respect of the Governorship election, from the applicants.
He said INEC had already received some part payments from the applicants, for the photocopy of the materials requested, and done with some as the funds warranted, adding that production has stopped until money is available for completion.
Ogmuji said if money will be available, they will within two to three days complete the photocopies.
However, counsel to INEC Barrister Steven Ibyem, told the tribunal that, it will also take legal department another three days to finish verification and certification, he therefore sought for six days for them to finish.
Counsel the applicants Barrister Israel Olorundare SAN, asked the tribunal to ordered for only three days, effective from today (Tuesday), for the umpire to provide the materials to them.
The tribunal had told the applicants counsel that it will not grant them prayers 5 and 6, which they sought for the external forensic expert to inspect the materials without the presence of other parties in the matter.
However, Counsel to the applicants thereafter sought the leave of the tribunal and abundant the prayers, while also made amendment in prayer 3.
Delivering his ruling on the application, tribunal chairman justice Johnson, said that the tribunal have ruled that INEC should produced materials to the applicants by 12:00 midnight of Thursday, 30th April, 2015.
He said all other prayers as sought by the applicants are granted, for them to be able to filed their petition before the tribunal within time.
