As the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal gears up for its momentous session, there are six crucial aspects you should be aware of before the final verdict is delivered.
Here are 6 things to know ahead of Presidential Election Petition Tribunal’s final verdict:
1. The Panel of Judges Is Led by Justice Haruna Tsammani: The tribunal will be presided over by a panel of five judges, with Justice Haruna Tsammani at the helm. These judges hold the future of a critical legal battle in their hands.
2. Petitions from Key Political Parties: The spotlight is on the petitions filed by three key political parties – the Labour Party (LP), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the Allied Peoples Movement (APM). These parties, along with their respective presidential candidates, are challenging the outcome of the 2023 presidential election, where President Bola Tinubu emerged as the winner.
3. There Will Be Transparency and Live Broadcast: Umar Bangari, the Registrar of the Court of Appeal, has assured the public that the proceedings will be transparent and open to live broadcast. This commitment to openness ensures that every citizen can directly witness the tribunal’s deliberations.
4. It’s Beyond the Presidential Race: While the presidential election takes center stage, it’s important to note that this tribunal session extends beyond this race. The panel will also deliver judgments on 25 other election petitions, encompassing disputes related to governorship, National Assembly, and state assembly elections. The breadth of cases highlights the significance of the upcoming rulings.
5. Sorting Nationwide Electoral Disputes: The presidential election results, as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), have not been without controversy. Electoral disputes have emerged in no fewer than 25 states out of the 28 where elections were held. This widespread challenge adds to the intrigue surrounding the tribunal’s forthcoming verdict.
6. Date Has Been Revealed: The Presidential Election Petition Tribunal will hold on Wednesday, September 6th.
