The Ogun State Election Petition Tribunal on Thursday fixed July 4 for the commencement of the hearing of the petition filed by the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Ladi Adebutu.

Adebutu has dragged Governor Dapo Abiodun of the All Progressives Congress to the tribunal, challenging his victory at the governorship poll held on March 18 in the state.

Adebutu alleged vote buying, gross misconduct, and non-compliance with the electoral act.

At the pre-hearing section on Thursday, the tribunal said July 4 would be used for the hearing proper, and the calling of witnesses would start on July 5, 2023.

The tribunal also said all documents and papers that were not objected to by either the petitioners or the respondents would be tendered.

The Chairman of the Tribunal, Hamidu Kunaza, said, “Documents that are unopposed will be tendered and admitted from the bar on July 4, while the trial and calling of witnesses commence on July 5.”

Earlier, the tribunal dismissed an application by Adebutu alleging that Abiodun engaged in vote buying during the election.

Abiodun had, in his responses to Adebutu’s petition, accused him of vote buying during the election.

Adebutu, however, asked the tribunal to strike out the paragraphs containing the claims that he bought votes during the election

But the tribunal rejected the application, saying Abiodun, being a respondent, has enough space to respond the way he deems fit.

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