Lagos State Guber Elections : Jimi Agbaje’s Petition Commences

With just few days to the official handover date in Lagos State, the election petition filed by Jimi Agbaje, Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) Lagos State gubernatorial candidate, at the Lagos State Election Petition Tribunal to challenge the All Progressives Congress’ (APC), Akinwumi Ambode’s victory in the state commenced on Tuesday, May 26, 2015.

Jimi Agbaje had filed the petition to contest the victory of Akinwumi Ambode in the April 11, 2015, governorship elections held in the state while also praying the Elections Petition Tribunal to let him have access to inspect materials used in the elections which was granted.

He alleged that the APC victory could be questioned as the conduct of the polls were marred with some irregularities thereby contravening the approved statutes and guidelines as provided by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The registrar of the tribunal, which is presided over by Justice Muhammad Sirajo, said that the date was fixed after a notice of hearing had been sent to all parties involved in the tribunal. The petition has INEC, APC and the Lagos State Resident Electoral Commissioner as respondents.

At the commencement of proceedings, Jimi Agbaje is expected to present key witnesses to the tribunal with their evidences of how the alleged malpractices in the elections to favour the APC was carried out