Tribunal orders INEC to produce card readers used in election

The National Assembly Election PetitionsTribunal for Adamawa on Thursday ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to produce the card readers used in the House of Representatives Elections in Madagali/Michika Federal Constituency.

The Justice Anthony Onovo-led three-member tribunal issued the order at its resumed hearing in a petition filed by the All Progressives Congress challenging the election of Hon. Adamu Kamale (PDP-Madagali-Michika)

The tribunal sitting in Kado, Abuja stressed that its earlier order directing INEC to produce election materials used for the election in the constituency covered card readers.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalled that the tribunal had on July 23 subpoenaed INEC to produce materials used for the elections in evidence for the determination of the case.

INEC, in obeying the order, had produced ballot boxes and ballot papers used in the election but left out the card readers.The APC and its candidate in the election, Mr Umar Duhu, had filed the petition against Kamale and PDP seeking nullification of the election.

The petitioners are alleging that the election was marred with irregularities and Kamale was not qualified to contest the election. Speaking to NAN after the sitting, Counsel to PDP, Mr John Eguowo said: "Today the official from INEC produced those documents; mainly ballot papers that were used in the election.

"The nature of the subpoena did not require him to give evidence but to only tender document, so no question was asked with regards to the ballot papers.’’

"Because the witness failed to produce all the evidence required, the court adjourned to Aug. 6 to enable them produce the rest of the documents.

"When required documents are produced, all the parties will close their cases and submit written address which will be adopted by the court and a date set for judgment’’.