Tribunal rejects Isiaka’s INEC witnesses

A bid by the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Gboyega Isiaka, to list 124 electoral officers as respondents in his petition against Governor Ibikunle Amosun suffered a setback yesterday.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the affected officers, on Tuesday, appealed to the tribunal to strike out the names of the 124 persons listed as the fourth – 128th respondents.

The application was filed on their behalf by their counsel, Olusina Sofola (SAN), pursuant to Section 9 (2) of the 1999 Constitution.

The Chairman, Justice Henry Olusiyi, relying on Section 127(3) of the Electoral Act, said the 124 persons joined in the petition “are not necessary parties and ought not to have been joined” by Isiaka.

“It is trite that no cause or matter shall be defeated by reason of misjoinder or non -joinder of parties.”

“INEC and the other respondents have made out a good case to strike out the names of the fourth to 128th respondents.”