The Ekiti State Governorship Election Tribunal has expressed disappointment with the Action Alliance's (AA) approach to its petition challenging the victory of Governor Biodun Oyebanji in the June 20, 2026 election. The three-member panel, led by Justice Abubakar Kutigi, noted that the AA had failed to produce its witnesses for the third consecutive time, despite earlier promises to do so. This development occurred as the Social Democratic Party (SDP) presented six witnesses who testified on the conduct of the election.
The AA and SDP are contesting Oyebanji's victory, citing irregularities in the election process. Both parties scored a low number of votes, with the AA garnering 126 votes and the SDP scoring 179 votes. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Oyebanji the winner, prompting the two parties to approach the tribunal. The SDP's witnesses were examined and cross-examined by the parties involved, while the AA's counsel, Ebenezer Akinbuli, requested another adjournment to look for witnesses.
Justice Kutigi expressed concern over the AA's lack of urgency in pursuing its petition, stating that the party's approach was "strange" and not in line with the tribunal's expectations. The chairman urged Akinbuli to take charge of the matter and proceed with presenting witnesses, warning that further adjournments would not be tolerated. Akinbuli apologized and pleaded for a last chance to present the AA's witnesses on the next adjourned date.
The tribunal adjourned the petition until Monday, September 28, to allow the AA to present its witnesses. Counsel to INEC and Oyebanji did not object to the request for an adjournment. The SDP's witnesses had already provided evidence on the conduct of the election in various units and wards.
The Ekiti governorship election tribunal is hearing petitions from parties that contested the June 20, 2026 election. Governor Oyebanji, who was declared the winner by INEC, is the second respondent in the petition, while INEC is the first respondent. The tribunal's proceedings are crucial in determining the legitimacy of Oyebanji's victory.
The Action Alliance's petition is one of several that have been filed with the tribunal. The party's failure to present witnesses has raised concerns about its commitment to pursuing the petition. The tribunal's criticism of the AA's approach may have implications for the party's chances of success in the petition.
The case has been adjourned until September 28, when the AA is expected to present its witnesses. The tribunal's decision will be crucial in determining the outcome of the petition and the legitimacy of Governor Oyebanji's victory. The SDP has already presented its witnesses, while the AA's failure to do so may affect its case.
Key points
- The Ekiti State Governorship Election Tribunal has criticized the Action Alliance for its poor attitude to the petition against Governor Biodun Oyebanji's victory.
- The tribunal expressed disappointment with the AA's failure to produce witnesses for the third consecutive time.
- The case has been adjourned until September 28, when the AA is expected to present its witnesses.
