As tribunals deal with presidential, governorship, National Assembly, and state assembly election petitions approach their judgement dates, President Bola Tinubu and 25 state governors are filled with anticipation.
This month, the panels are expected to deliver their verdicts. The results of the polls, announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in 25 out of the 28 states where the governorship elections took place, are being disputed.
Reserving Judgements:
Numerous tribunals, situated in Lagos, Sokoto, Delta, Kano, and 21 other states, as well as Abuja, have reserved their judgements after the parties concluded their hearings and submitted their written arguments, adhering to the Practice Direction for the election petitions issued by the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensen.
Political parties and their candidates, concerned about the outcome of their petitions, have resorted to prayers and issued cautionary statements, urging the justices to act justly. While Tinubu’s legal representative expressed optimism for a favourable outcome, Atiku’s legal team admonished the tribunal to resist any executive intimidation and ensure justice is upheld.
The Role of Justices:
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, swore in a total of 346 justices to handle the 2023 election petitions.
These justices were expected to deliver their judgements before September 16. According to Section 285 (6) of the 1999 Constitution, the election tribunals must provide written judgements within 180 days from the filing of the petitions by the aggrieved candidates.
Presidential Election Petition:
The presidential election petition tribunal has reserved its judgement after the petitioners, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, and Peter Obi, along with the Labour Party, concluded their cases.
Tinubu’s lawyer expressed hope for a successful outcome, while Atiku’s legal team called for the tribunal to reject any form of executive intimidation and deliver a fair judgment.
Yusuf Ali, SAN, a member of the President’s legal team, remained hopeful of a favourable verdict, emphasising that cases are to be conducted in court, not in the media.
He said, “We pray for success at the end of the day. Cases are conducted in court and not in the media, either social or mass media. The court listens to facts and applies the law.”
On the other hand, Bala Ibrahim, the Director of Publicity for the APC, denied that the ruling party was under pressure and expressed confidence in the delivery of justice.
He said, “Which pressure? The ruling party has already delivered, unlike the Labour Party which is still groaning. The pressure is on them. Obviously, anyone that is in labour is likely to be under pressure.’’
Mike Ozekhome, SAN, a member of Atiku’s legal team, urged the tribunal to dispense justice without succumbing to external influence, highlighting the scrutiny of Nigerians, the international community, and the world.
Ozekhome said, “Not for the judgement date yet. I expect justice to be done. I expect the tribunal to shun blaring sirens of power or executive intimidation to do justice. I expect the tribunal to know that Nigerians, the international community, and indeed the whole world are watching.”
The PDP expressed confidence in the tribunal’s ability to deliver justice, stating their expectation of success.
With the anxiously-awaited judgements from the tribunals approaching, President Bola Tinubu, state governors, political parties, and their candidates are eager for a fair resolution.
The tribunal’s decisions will have a significant impact on the future of the election outcomes, and hopes for justice and integrity remain high.
The eyes of the nation and the world rest upon these judgements as they determine the course of Nigerian politics.
