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| Barr. Gbenga akinbuli during press section |
Barr. Gbenga Akinbuli, counsel representing the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the ongoing legal challenge over the 2026 Ekiti State Governorship Election, has spoken to journalists following proceedings in the case.
The legal challenge concerns issues arising from the conduct of the election, including the SDP’s position regarding the alleged failure to upload the names of its agents on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) portal.
Speaking after the proceedings, Barr. Akinbuli also referred to an alleged attack on him by thugs during an earlier sitting of the tribunal. He noted that journalists were present at the time and witnessed the incident.
The development had previously led to concerns over the safety of participants in the proceedings and an application seeking the relocation of the tribunal from Ado-Ekiti. The tribunal subsequently adjourned proceedings while the request concerning the venue was being considered. Recent reports indicate that the President of the Court of Appeal declined the request to transfer the sitting, while the tribunal adjourned further proceedings to September 24.
Barr. Akinbuli urged journalists covering the case to provide the public with accurate and responsible information concerning the court proceedings and events surrounding the legal challenge.
He stressed that the protection of the judicial process, electoral procedures and the safety of individuals involved in seeking legal redress are important to the functioning of democracy.
According to the SDP counsel, the legal team is also awaiting the relevant court orders concerning the proceedings and issues surrounding the proposed transfer of the case.
The ongoing case forms part of the legal challenges arising from the June 20, 2026 Ekiti State Governorship Election. INEC had earlier declared the election result, while the SDP's petition remains before the Election Petition Tribunal.
As the legal proceedings continue, the outcome of the SDP's petition will ultimately be determined through the judicial process, applicable electoral laws and evidence presented before the tribunal.
This report is based on observations and statements obtained by our journalists during their coverage of the court proceedings. Claims concerning the alleged attack, the conduct of the election and the parties' respective legal positions remain matters before the appropriate judicial authorities.
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