The capital city of Nigeria, Abuja, has witnessed a significant military deployment ahead of the anticipated Tribunal Judgement on the presidential election involving the Labour Party (LP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC). The Nigerian Army has taken a stern stance, blocking major roads in the city, causing unprecedented traffic congestion.
The epicenter of this heightened security is the Court of Appeal Headquarters in Abuja, home to the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC), where a decisive verdict is set to be delivered regarding three petitions aimed at challenging the legitimacy of President Bola Tinubu's tenure.
The security apparatus overseeing this event includes heavily armed personnel from the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force (NPF), and the Nigeria Civil Defence and Security Corps (NSCDC). Additionally, agents from the Department of State Services (DSS) have been meticulously screening entrants to the premises, following a stringent accreditation process, while court staff have been instructed to stay away from the premises.
In a surprising twist, the Court of Appeal has decided to allow live broadcasts of its judgement on the three petitions, ensuring that the nation remains informed and engaged in this pivotal moment.
The five-member panel, led by Justice Haruna Tsammani, had given the green light for judgement on August 1, subsequent to the conclusion of final arguments by all concerned parties.
The three petitions, identified as CA/PEPC/03/2023, CA/PEPC/05/2023, and CA/PEPC/04/2023, were submitted by Mr. Peter Obi of the Labour Party, former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), respectively.
The dispute traces its roots back to March 1 when the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared President Tinubu, representing the APC, as the winner of the presidential election held on February 25. According to INEC, President Tinubu secured 8,794,726 votes, defeating Alhaji Atiku of the PDP with 6,984,520 votes, and Mr. Obi of the LP with 6,101,533 votes.
Both Atiku and Obi contested the results, seeking the court's intervention to nullify the election and revoke President Tinubu's Certificate of Return. Alternatively, they request a fresh presidential election, excluding President Tinubu due to their argument that he was initially unqualified to participate.
Underlining the legal timeline, the Electoral Act of 2022 stipulated a 21-day window for aggrieved candidates to file their petitions after INEC declared the election result. The court, in turn, is expected to deliver its written judgement within 180 days of the election.
The court's hearing concluded on July 5, with Mr. Obi presenting 13 witnesses and numerous documents, while Mr. Atiku called 27 witnesses and submitted exhibits. In contrast, both INEC and President Tinubu offered minimal defense, with only one witness each, and the APC refrained from presenting any witnesses.
However, all respondents have united in their written submissions, urging the court to dismiss the petitions on the grounds of insufficient evidence, arguing that the petitioners failed to meet the legal burden of proof, especially concerning allegations with potential criminal implications. The nation now awaits the court's decisive judgement amidst this heightened state of security and anticipation.
