The Oyo State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal on Tuesday dismissed an application filed by Sen. Rashidi Ladoja seeking a leave to call a forensic analyst, Dr. Babatunde Adebola, to testify before the tribunal.
The Chairman of the tribunal sitting at the Oyo State High Court, Iyaganku, Ibadan, Justice Muhammed Mayaki, dismissed the application in a one-hour ruling.
Ladoja, who represented the Labour Party in the April 11 governorship election in the state, is challenging the victory of Governor Abiola Ajimobi of the All Progressive Congress, in the poll.
The tribunal held that the application was rejected because it was not presented during the pre-hearing session, adding that no exparte order was sought by the petitioner to bring same after the expiration of the session.
Justice Mayaki said the application contradicted the provision of paragraph 47 (1) of the First Schedule of the Electoral Act 2010.
The judge described the application as an abuse of the court process, adding that the report of the forensic analyst should have been tendered with that of the first witness, Mr. Bimbo Adepoju, instead of bringing them piece meal.
The forensic analyst was the leader of the team that inspected and counted ballot papers and boxes used for the election.
The application also sought invitation of one Mr. Bola Akinyemi to testify along with the forensic analyst.
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