Proceedings at the Ekiti State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal took another turn on September 23 after a request to relocate the tribunal over alleged security concerns was rejected.
The request followed an allegation that counsel associated with the Social Democratic Party’s petition, Ebenezer Akinbuli, had previously been assaulted in connection with appearances before the tribunal.
The tribunal had adjourned proceedings from September 16 to September 23 to allow the President of the Court of Appeal to consider the request to move proceedings from Ado-Ekiti.
On Wednesday, however, reports indicated that the relocation request had been declined.
Akinbuli was absent from the resumed proceedings and sent correspondence seeking another adjournment pending clarification of the venue issue.
The election petition relates to the outcome of the June 20, 2026 Ekiti governorship election.
The tribunal is considering petitions arising from the poll, while respondents have opposed further delays and disputed aspects of the petitioners’ position.
Counsel representing Governor Biodun Oyebanji and the All Progressives Congress criticised the repeated adjournment requests and argued that the substantive petitions should proceed.
Those submissions represent the respondents’ position and are not findings by the tribunal.
The security allegations surrounding counsel are significant because election petitions operate under strict constitutional and statutory timelines.
Unlike ordinary civil litigation, election tribunals generally have limited periods within which petitions must be heard and determined.
That means any dispute over counsel’s safety, witness attendance or venue can have consequences beyond ordinary scheduling difficulties.
The tribunal will still have to determine the election petitions on their evidence and applicable electoral law.
READ MORE: LegalLinkz — Court Reserves Edo South NDC Ticket Suit for Judgment
Read related LegalLinkz story
SOURCE:
Premium Times
Channels Television
