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Tag: Tribunal

  • Tribunal upholds PDP’s Sen Usman’s victory, dismisses petitions

    Tribunal upholds PDP’s Sen Usman’s victory, dismisses petitions

    The National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Kaduna State on Saturday upheld the victory of Senator Lawal Adamu-Usman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for Kaduna Central. 

    The tribunal also dismissed all the petitions filed against the lawmaker . 

    The petition, which was filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Muhammad-Sani Abdullahi, challenged the election of the PDP Senator on four grounds.

    According to petition, the grounds were of the issue of school certificate forgery, over voting, non compliance and the issue of nomination and sponsorship of the first respondent by the PDP.

    The three-man panel led by Justice H.H Kereng stated that all the grounds presented by the petitioners’ had failed and was dismissed .

    “The elections and return of the first respondent is hereby affirmed ;This petition is hereby dismissed,” he ruled.

    The Judge stated that the petitioners failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the first respondent’s NECO results and other  School certificates were forged.

    He added that the petitioners’ had also failed to prove that the first respondent was not duly elected by majority of votes in the February 25 polls.

    “The APC got 182, 035 votes while PDP got 225, 066 votes giving a margin of 43031;The petitioners’ has failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the respondent didn’t get majority votes.

    “Therefore, this issue is in favour of the first respondent and against the petitioner,” he said.

    On the issue of non- compliance, the judge also stated that the petitioners couldn’t prove that there was non compliance which affected the elections results.

    Read Also: You’ve lessons to learn from tribunal judgment, APC chieftain tells INEC

    He added that the issue of sponsorship and nomination of candidate was the responsibility of the political party not court while resolving issue in favour of the respondent.

    While speaking with journalist,  the personal assistant to the Senator, Jalal Falal appreciated God for granting them victory saying the outcome of the judgement had validated the Senator’s Election.

    He urged the opposition to join hands with the seating Senator to work for the process and development of the people of Kaduna Central.

  • Tinubu’s tribunal victory vindicates INEC – AYCF

    Tinubu’s tribunal victory vindicates INEC – AYCF

    The president of Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF), Alhaji Yerima Shettima, has said the victory of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the election tribunal has vindicated the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and its efforts towards ensuring free, fair and transparent elections in Nigeria.

    AYCF said the court ruling has once again put detractors and senseless regional agitators to shame and has also proven the integrity and impartiality of the INEC chairman, Prof. Mahmud Yakubu.

    In the view of the youth leader, “This well considered verdict has further strengthened the belief that INEC under Yakubu’s leadership is a true embodiment of democracy and justice.

    “Yakubu’s commitment to conducting free, fair and credible elections in Nigeria is evident in the recent elections, where many observers except a few sponsored ones, commended the conduct of INEC and its officials. His leadership and professionalism have earned him the respect of both local and international communities.

    “We must commend INEC under the leadership of Prof. Mahmud Yakubu for its impeccable conduct during the elections. The transparency and fairness of the electoral process have brought credibility to our democracy,” Shettima said.

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    Without a doubt, he said the judgment of the tribunal is a testament to the transparency and impartiality of INEC under Yakubu’s leadership, adding that Nigerians can once again be confident in the credibility of the electoral process, knowing that the institution responsible for conducting elections is led by a true statesman.

    “This outcome is also a triumph for democracy and the rule of law, as it proves that the Nigerian justice system is capable of upholding the integrity of elections,” Shettima said.

    He also advocated that all stakeholders continue to work towards improving the electoral process, so that Nigerians can continue to have faith in their democracy, stressing that, “This landmark ruling has set precedence for future election disputes, and serves as a warning to those who seek to undermine the democratic process.

    “It is crucial that all political actors respect the decision of the tribunal and work towards building a stronger democracy in Nigeria. INEC should also use this opportunity to review its procedures and address any shortcomings, so that future elections can even be more transparent and credible.”

  • Tribunal sacks Bayelsa PDP Rep Agbedi, orders rerun

    Tribunal sacks Bayelsa PDP Rep Agbedi, orders rerun

    The Election Petitions Tribunal in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital, has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct fresh elections in some polling units in the Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency.

    In its decision, the tribunal directed INEC to immediately withdraw the certificate of return previously awarded to member representing the Constituency in the House of Representatives , Chief Fred Agbedi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). 

    The tribunal also mandated the INEC to organise a fresh election for approximately 26,000 voters who were unlawfully excluded from the initial election.

    The legal proceedings were initiated by Michael Bless Olomu, a candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC), who also contested the election. 

    Olomu contended that he should be declared as the rightful winner of the election due to incidents of violence that marred the electoral process.

    He alleged that the violence, which was allegedly orchestrated by the opposition, had a significant impact on the election’s integrity.

    Read Also: Atiku, Obi: why we are challenging tribunal verdict

    Specifically, Olomu said  elections did not take place in five wards yet results were collated. 

    According to him, the wards include Ward 5 (Ebedebiri), Ward 11 (Ofoni, Sagbama Local Government Area), Ward 12 (Ekeremor Local Government Area), along with Wards 3 and 4 in Ofoni, Sagbama LGA.

    In his response, Chief Fred Agbedi said he was ready to take part in the supplementary election.

  • Tribunal affirms Ndume’s election as Senator

    Tribunal affirms Ndume’s election as Senator

    The Borno State National Assembly election petition tribunal sitting in Maiduguri on Friday upheld the election of the Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume (APC – Borno South).

    The followed the tribunal’s dismissal of petition challenging Ndume’s victory filed by the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr Haske Kudla.

    In its ruling, the tribunal averred that the petitioner failed to present cogent, reliable and compelling evidence that could be sufficient to affect the poll’s result as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    In his reaction, Senator Ndume   said the victory will further strengthen his resolve towards serving his Constituency with renewed vigour.

    He said: “My dear people of southern Borno senatorial district, and all our well-wishers across the country, it is with great gratitude to the Almighty God that I address you on this auspicious day in which God has caused us to enjoy another victory, given that a short while ago, the Elections Tribunal affirmed my electoral victory over PDP’s candidate by outrightly dismissing the petition he filed against my triumph.

    “This noble ruling has further reaffirmed the mandate which you gave me in the last election.

    “As you may have noted, this petition that has just been dismissed has never ever deterred me from performing my functions as your senator and which goes to say that the court case has never been a distraction to me and I couldn’t have used it as an excuse to deny our people the benefits of their trust in me.

    Read Also: Bayelsa APC campaigners congratulate Tinubu on Tribunal victory

    “I consider the petition by my defeated opponent as an exercise of his democratic rights, which cannot be denied. 

    “As we celebrate this ruling, I wish to call on all my supporters to celebrate this victory with modesty and with utmost respect for the losing camp without any form of ill will. Let us all be practitioners of the decency and decorum we are known for.

    This victory is not for Ndume, this victory is for all Borno south constituents.”

  • Tribunal verdict, a confirmation of will of the people, says Abia Rep

    Tribunal verdict, a confirmation of will of the people, says Abia Rep

    The member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North and Umuahia South Federal Constituency of Abia state, Obinna Aguocha has described the affirmation of his election victory as a confirmation of the will of the people of the area.

    Aguocha, who is the Labour Party candidate, defeated the PDP candidate and former speaker of the Abia state House of Assembly, Chinedum Orji to emerge the winner of the February 25 election.

    However, Orji challenged the outcome of the election, but the tribunal on Thursday, September 7, affirmed the result of the election as declared by INEC.

    Reacting to the judgement, Aguocha said: “Moments ago, the National Assembly Elections Petitions Tribunal sitting in Umuahia gave judgment in our favour thus affirming my election as the member representing the good and indefatigable people of Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency in the 10th House of Representatives.

    “To God alone be all the Glory. The journey leading to this moment has been tortuous and difficult, but because of our unwavering and abiding confidence in the good people of Ikwuano/Umuahia North and Umuahia South Federal Constituency, it has also been promising and one full of valuable lessons.

    Read Also: Atiku, Obi: why we are challenging tribunal verdict

    “This electoral process has never been about me. It has always been about our people and my belief in the things that matter most to them. In embarking on this journey, I have been guided by the values imbibed in me by my parents, values anchored on God and buoyed by a lifetime of service to humanity.

    “The 2023 Elections are over! The Election Tribunal has just confirmed that this is so, and it is now time to fulfil all those promises that were made to our people during the campaigns.

    “The time has come to begin the task of building our communities and working to ensure that the dividends of their struggle and aspirations are brought to bear, and a time to also support our governor, Dr. Alex Otti.

    He further stated: “However, I cannot do this alone. I am just one person. All hands must be on deck. I call all my compatriots in this struggle, especially my dear friend and brother, the Hon. Chinedum Orji, the immediate past Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, and my worthy competitor for the House of Representatives Seat.

    “I congratulate him for a very spirited contest which culminated in today’s judgment, but Power belongs to God and He gives it to whom He pleases. I urge my brothers to please sheath their swords and join hands with me as we develop our dear Federal Constituency.

    “I must at this juncture commend the National Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Umuahia for a most just and judicious dispensation of justice.

    “I have always believed that our courts are the last hope of the common man, and this faith has been reinforced by the verdict of today. We are all partners in the Nigerian project and we will continue to use our best endeavours in building a strong and virile democracy. To my Labour Party patriots, thank you.”

  • Atiku, Obi: why we are challenging tribunal verdict

    Atiku, Obi: why we are challenging tribunal verdict

    • Don’t go to S’Court, Bello, Wike, Bruce urge PDP, LP candidates
    • APC: judgment reinforces democracy, judiciary’s vibrancy

    Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar and his Labour Party (LP) counterpart, Peter Obi, yesterday explained why they rejected the judgment of the Presidential Election Petition Court, which upheld the victory of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    Atiku described the judgment as bereft of justice.

    The former vice president also said the judgment failed to restore the confidence of Nigerians on free and fair elections.

    Obi said he rejected the tribunal’s decision because it was devoid of justice.

    However, the ruling party hailed the verdict, describing it as a victory for democracy.

     Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello urged the two opposition presidential candidates to accept their defeat, warning that their appeals will be an exercise in futility.

    A PDP chieftain, Senator Ben Murray-Bruce, advised Atiku to accept the judgment in “national interest”.

    Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike said “there is no need for Atiku to appeal,” adding that it is counter-productive.

    The Court of Appeal justices, sitting at the Presidential Election Petitions Court (PEPC), is the first stage of presidential election petition.

    An aggrieved petitioner has a right of appeal to the Supreme Court, which is the final arbiter.

    The appellant has 14 days to file his claims before the apex court, which has 60 days from the tribunal judgment to give its verdict.

    Atiku: I will fight on

    Atiku, who vowed to appeal the verdict, said his decision was anchored on his belief that the court is the sanctuary of justice.

    The presidential candidate, who spoke at a media briefing held at the PDP secretariat in Abuja, was accompanied by the National Chairman, Umar Damagum, and other party leaders.

    Atiku said: “The journey of my political career, as you know, holds so much to the courage and fearless decisions of our judiciary.

    “Indeed, I am no stranger to legal battles, and I can say that I have a fair idea of how the court system works. All through my career as a politician, I have been a fighter, and I must say that I have found the judiciary as a worthy pillar to rest on in the pursuit of justice.”

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    Atiku added: “Our gains in ensuring transparent elections through the deployment of technology was heavily compromised by INEC in the way it managed the last presidential election.

    “I am afraid that the judgment of the court, as rendered by the Presidential Election Petition Court yesterday (Wednesday), failed to restore confidence in our dreams of free and fair elections devoid of human manipulations.

    “Like I did say at the beginning of this legal battle when I instructed my lawyers to file my petition challenging the outcome of the presidential election, my ultimate goal in this pursuit is to ensure that democracy is further strengthened through the principles and processes of fair hearing.

    “I take great pains to tell you that the decision of the court of first instance on this matter utterly falls far short of that expectation. I am therefore, here to tell you that, though the judgment of the court yesterday is respected, it is a judgment that I refuse to accept.

    “I refuse to accept the judgment because I believe that it is bereft of substantial justice. However, the disappointment in the verdict of the court can never destroy my confidence in the judiciary.

    “Consequently, I have asked my lawyers to activate my constitutionally guaranteed rights of appeal to the higher court, which, in the instance, is the Supreme Court.

    “It is my conviction that the electoral process in Nigeria should be devoid of untidy manipulations and that the outcome of every election should be a perfect reflection of the wishes of the electorate.

    “I believe that such is the only way through which our democracy can have a manifest expression of its true meaning. Whether I prevail in this quest or not, the record of my effort in ensuring an order of credible elections in Nigeria shall remain for the future generations to evaluate.

    “On this note, I urge all my supporters to remain steadfast. I urge them to take solace in an immortal lesson I learned from my leader and mentor, the late Shehu Yar’Adua, that losing a battle is less important than losing the war.

    “We might have lost a battle yesterday, but the war is well ahead of us. And I believe that with our hopes in God, we shall win the war of restoring confidence in our electoral system”.

    Damagum said the verdict did not serve the interest of justice.

    He said: “From the faces of Nigerians in all nooks and crannies, you will see hopelessness and despair since the pronouncement of the judgment yesterday.

    “Lawyers, politicians and other relevant stakeholders from all walks of life were also more confused as law and facts were visibly thrown over board.

    “As a law-abiding political party, we received the judgment with shock along with other Nigerians and friends of Nigeria. What is at stake is beyond personal gains”.

    Why I reject verdict, by Obi

    Obi said: “This judgment was delivered within the statutory time frame under the extant statutes. We acknowledge the Court’s contributions to due process and the seeming attempt to strengthen our democracy.

    “As petitioners in this case, we respect the views and rulings of the Court, but we disagree with the Court’s reasoning and conclusions in the judgment it delivered. It is my intention as a presidential candidate and the intention of the Labour Party to challenge this judgment by way of appeal immediately, as allowed by the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “The PEPC has rendered its judgment, but that esteemed body is not the final arbiter. The responsibility now falls on the Supreme Court. I do know that judgment is not coterminous with justice. I implore Nigerians to remain focused, steadfast, and peaceful; abide by the rule of law, and understand that this matter has not reached its logical conclusion.

    “Our legal team has already received our firm instruction to file an appeal against the decision. I shall not relent in the quest for justice, not necessarily for myself but indeed for our teeming supporters all over the country whose mandate to us at the polls was regrettably truncated by INEC.”

    Judgment reinforces democracy, says APC

    The National Working Committee (NWC) of APC said the judgment has reinforced  democracy and underscored the vibrancy and independence of the judiciary.

    The National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru,  who spoke on behalf of the NWC, hailed the judiciary for meticulously dealing with the petitions brought before it by aggrieved candidates and political parties.

    He said the judiciary has strengthened the country’s democratic process through the instrumentality of the law.

    Basiru, who addressed reporters in Abuja,  maintained that PEPC’s decision was a vindication and reaffirmation of the mandate given to President Tinubu by Nigerians during the poll.

    Acknowledging that the last election was keenly contested, he said “the outcome remains a wholesale endorsement of our party’s vision, values and commitment to rebuilding and repositioning our country for greatness.”

    Basiru stressed: “Our campaign, planked on the unity and prosperity of Nigeria and our message of ‘Renewed Hope’ resonated with Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora.”

    He applauded the diligence and professionalism of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, local and foreign observers, and other stakeholders in ensuring a credible, free and fair election.

    He also commended party leaders, members, supporters and campaigners for their unwavering commitment and resilience throughout the electoral process.

    Basiru added: “As we soldier on  in the business of governance, the APC will stay focused and resolute in fostering unity and improving the quality of life of all Nigerians as enshrined in the eight-point agenda of this administration.

    “We enjoin all Nigerians, irrespective of ethnicity, religion or political leanings to join hands with us in this onerous but patriotic task of building a better, more prosperous nation

    Bruce to Atiku, Obi: don’t appeal

    Bruce advised Atiku and Obi to to accept the judgment, saying that national interest should override personal interest.

    In a post on his X page, Bruce said:”Once elections have been held and a winner is announced, we must follow the Jonathan doctrine and accept the people’s verdict in the interest of democracy and the nation.”

    He added: “Our elections don’t have to end in the courts. But now that we have found ourselves in this position, and the courts have spoken, let us put national interest above self-interest, accept the verdict, and move on so the nation can advance.

    “Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the duly elected and undisputed President of Nigeria, and this judgment should settle all questions and erase all doubts.

    “I commend the judges of the presidential election petition court for doing a challenging job exceptionally well. It was democracy that won.”

    Bruce advised supporters of all the political parties to be mindful of recent events on the continent and promote the peace of the country.

    Bello: no ground for appeal

    Governor Bello said Atiku and Obi should not appeal because there is no basis for their rejection of the judgment.

    He told State House Correspondents in Abuja after a meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima,  that the PDP and LP candidates should  save their resources.

    In his view, the verdict is flawless.

    Bello said: “As far as I’m concerned, I dont think there is any ground for appeal. I will rather appeal to them that they should drop any appeal and save the resources, save the trouble, advise their supporters, admonish them that they should accept yesterday’s judgment. No flaw. I thank God for all that happened yesterday.”

    Reacting to the loss of two senatorial seats by the APC in Kogi State at the tribunal, Bello expressed optimism that the party will reclaim the seats through lawful means.

    Why Atiku should not appeal, by Wike

    Wike, who spoke on Channels Television ‘Politics Today’ yesterday evening said, PDP and the Labour Party do not have a case to pursue.

    He urged them to close ranks with the President to build the country.

    The minister said the judgment has confirmed the wishes of Nigerians, who freely and happily elected Tinubu.

    He hailed the judges for being detailed in their verdict, adding the judgment appeared to be the longest in the history of political cases in Nigeria.

    Wike said: “From what I saw yesterday, if my confidence in the judiciary was 50 percent, now it has gone up to 70 percent. I say a job well done and well researched.”

    He said he was happy with the verdict by the tribunal.

     ”I believe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu won the presidential election squarely and I expected the judgment of the tribunal the way it went.

    “I am very happy; it is a moment of joy. I congratulate Mr. President and his Vice, Kashim Shettima.

    “I commend the judiciary.  For the first time in my life, I have never seen what I saw yesterday.

    “The judgment was like opening the eyes of the public. It took the judges more than 10 hours to deliver that judgment.

    “The judges painstakingly took their time to address each issue raised. So, for me, it shows that our judiciary is improving.”

    Wike said it was surprising that his party had rejected the result and said it was going to appeal.

    “That my party has come out to reject the judgment is because abinitio, I did not support them.

    ‘I believe that their position was wrong. I believe in equity, fairness and justice.

    “I have always told people that election petition is not like any other case.  It is a special area.

    “It is not done by propaganda and it cannot be won on social media.  It is won based on the presentation of evidence and facts.

    “The judgment has opened the eyes of the PDP that there is no need to appeal.”

  • Rep calls for calm, to appeal tribunal’s ruling

    Rep calls for calm, to appeal tribunal’s ruling

    Member representing Isiuakwato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency of Abia State, Amobi Ogah, has called for calm on the Election Petition Tribunal ruling in Umuahia which nullified his election.

    Ogah said he would head for the Court of Appeal to challenge the judgment, urging his supporters to be law abiding as he seeks redress in court.

    He said: “My attention has been drawn to the ruling of the election tribunal sitting in Umuahia, on my victory at National Assembly polls

    “I want to state that I will appeal the judgment of the tribunal as soon as I conclude with my legal team.

    “My opponent, who I know did not win the election and the judge cannot announce a result presented by the petitioner as concrete against result presented by INEC.”

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    According to him, the panel discarded principles governing election adjudication.

    “I call on my constituents who voted me, knowing my capacity to deliver dividends of democrac, to be calm, law abiding as I appeal the judgment of the tribunal.

    ” I scored 11,769 votes against my opponent who the commission said scored 8,752. It is bizarre that despite calling a lone witness and dumping strange result sheets before the tribunal, the panel recognised same and disregarded original copies of the result sheets produced from proper custody.

    “I am rejecting the ruling and will appeal the miscarriage of justice, fairness and objectivity.

    “The constituency I represent in the House of Representatives is on ground to cater for its people and no distraction will make me lose focus to delivering my promises.

    “The will and wish of the people that voted me in is not in doubt, hence my prompting to challenge the judgment.”

  • Tribunal: Former governor Orji’s son loses case against LP candidate

    Tribunal: Former governor Orji’s son loses case against LP candidate

    The son of the former governor of Abia State and former Abia House of Assembly speaker, Chinedum Orji on Thursday, September 7, lost at the National Assembly election petition tribunal sitting in Umuahia, the Abia state capital.

    Orji lost the Umuahia/Ikwuano federal constituency seat to the candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Obi Aguocha of the Labour Party (LP).

    Read Also: Tinubu’s tribunal victory foretold, says ex-Minister Dare

    The three-man panel of the tribunal in its ruling, dismissed the petition by the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Orji who was seeking to nullify the electoral victory of Aguocha.

    The three judges of the panel in a unanimous judgment read by Honorable Justice Abubakar Kutigi dismissed Orji’s petition for lack of merit and affirmed Aguocha as the winner of the Ikwuano/Umuahia federal Constituency.

    The former speaker is yet to make an official statement about the outcome of the tribunal judgement.

  • Tribunal ruling deepens democracy, says Afenifere

    Tribunal ruling deepens democracy, says Afenifere

    Afenifere, pan-Yoruba socio-political group, has congratulated President Ahmed Bola Tinubu on his victory at the Presidential Electoral Court (PEPC).

    Leader of the organisation,  Chief Ruben Fasoranti,  in a statement by National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi, said the judgment will deepen democracy. 

    The elderstatesman said the verdict has shown that Tinubu and his deputy, Senator Kashim Shettima, won the February 25 poll.

    He said the victory is a challenge on the current administration to actualize various promises contained in the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    Fasoranti said: “As I indicated in my congratulatory message when you, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, was declared winner of this year’s presidential election, your victory raises a lot of hope and you can not afford to fail Nigerians.

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    “Incidentally, your manifesto on how to reset Nigeria resonates with my vision for having a Nigeria of which we all would be proud – as I mentioned to you on the two occasions you visited me last year in Akure. Going by the steps you have taken so far; I believe that you are setting the country on a sound footing for progress”

    Fasoranti said the hardship arising from the withdrawal of fuel subsidy should be halted as quickly as possible so that “Nigeria can begin to enjoy life more abundant and good welfare that they deserve”

    He commended all the parties involved in the petitions, saying that their decision to go to court has deepende democracy.

    He said: “The petitions gave the judiciary the opportunity to make far-reaching pronouncements on some important aspects of our electoral law and aspects of the constitution that deals with election matters. 

    “The pronouncements by the eminent judges shed more light and enlighten us more on how to go about our electoral processes.” 

    Fasoranti urged politicians to learn lessons from the verdict so that they would be better guided in their future electoral activities. 

    He saluted Nigerians, the judiciary and all those involved in the judicial processes for the peaceful manner in which the litigation was handled.

    Fasoranti charged those in power to brace up for proper governance “so that Nigerians would quickly put the present hardship behind them and begin to experience improved standard in their welfare while the country itself begins a fast-paced journey towards becoming a developed nation. 

    He also said restructuring and proper federalization of the country should form important aspects of the rejigging.

  • Presidential tribunal’s decision sound, say senior lawyers

    Presidential tribunal’s decision sound, say senior lawyers

    Senior lawyers yesterday backed the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal’s verdict affirming the victory of President Bola Tinubu, saying it was legally sound.

    Those, who spoke included Dr. Joseph Nwobike (SAN) and Dr. Fassy Yusuf.

    Nwobike said the PEPT’s judgment agrees with the established principles of law that govern election litigations in the country.

    He noted, however, that parties who are dissatisfied with the decision are at liberty to proceed to the Supreme Court to test the Tribunal’s judgment.

    Already, the Labour Party (LP) has rejected the panel’s decision.

    Nwobike said: “The learned justices on the tribunal’s Bench examined and resolved all the issues of law and fact in favour of the Respondents after considering the evidence led and the applicable laws.

    “For instance, the tribunal decided that the second respondent was qualified to contest the presidential election and that the order for forfeiture made by the Court in Illinois, United States (U.S.) was not a conviction within the contemplation of the provisions of section 137 of the Constitution of Nigeria.

    Read Also: PEPT: Join Tinubu to develop Nigeria, groups tell Atiku, Obi

    “The tribunal held that the petitioners failed to prove that the President was convicted in the U.S as alleged in their respective petitions. The Tribunal equally decided that INEC has the discretion on how to transmit election results.

    “In my view, the judgement accords with the established principles of law that govern and underpin election litigations in Nigeria. I believe that the parties will proceed to the Supreme Court to test the decisions of the Tribunal. I will encourage all the parties and their supporters to abide by the decisions of the courts in this and all regards.”

    Dr. Yusuf’s views were similar. The judges, he said, did a commendable job.

    Yusuf said: “From the judgment, it goes beyond every iota of doubt that we have a judiciary that we can all be proud of in this country.

    “I must commend the sagacity, the industry and the mastery of the law exhibited by the Justice of the Court of Appeal in the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC). With patience and delivery of three judgments lasting for over 12 hours, to my mind, is unprecedented.

    “Fundamentally, the judgments are pointers to the desirability for lawyers to be dexterous and to be great professionals in handling briefs.”

    He admonished lawyers to be circumspect about the kinds of briefs they collect.

    Dr. Yusuf said: “Some briefs are ab initio frivolous, vexatious and dead on arrival. We the legal practitioners must be circumspect in handling such matters. In our own interest, that is in the legal profession, in the interest of society and the interest of the nation, we must be patriotic and nationalistic.

    “Not all briefs are worth being considered. We all now know that there are politicians who mean well and those who do not mean well for this country.

    “Legal practitioners must not see any brief as an opportunity to go to court or as an opportunity to make money.

    “The society should be seen to be bigger than any one of us and this nation needs to move forward. I hope this will end election cases from the last general elections. Otherwise, they would have to go to the Supreme Court and I hope they would not be dissipating energy.”

    But another SAN, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, called for “sober reflection” saying the judgment showed how difficult it is to upturn an election victory.

    In his view, the law makes it practically impossible for a petitioner to upturn a presidential election result in court.

    Adegboruwa, in a statement, said: “The verdict of the PEPC was not totally unexpected, given the stark realities facing us as a nation and the state of the law.

    “The principles of presumption of regularity of elections and that of substantial conformity make it extremely difficult to prosecute elections successfully.

    “In this particular case, the burden placed upon the petitioners in order to upturn the election was practically insurmountable. To make matters worse, INEC practically fought the petitioners to a standstill, as if it was an interested party in the whole process.

    “I honestly don’t think anyone expected a different verdict from what was delivered in Abuja, particularly the lawyers. The tension was completely unnecessary.”

    The lawyer emphasised always that the focus of anyone hoping to birth a true change in the country’s electoral history “should be on the electoral umpire.”

    He called for a truly independent INEC.

    Adegboruwa said: “Without first unbundling INEC to make it more independent, non-partisan and effective, anyone declared ‘winner’ will most often coast to victory in the election tribunal.

    “Today’s (Wednesday’s) verdict should be a reason for sober reflection by all, especially for the parties in court, their lawyers and all lovers of democracy. The petitions could have been decided purely on points of law and within a few days of the election.

    “There can be no real victory in the resolution of the legal issues by the court when the fabric of our democratic engagements seems to have been hijacked and compromised.

    “Part of the lesson in this process is for us to go back and review the electoral process and the litigations following it. INEC as it is presently constituted cannot birth any credible election in Nigeria.

    “In all, maybe there was too much expectation that the status quo will be upturned, whereas many of the principles of law canvased had long been settled by the apex court.”

    He urged all parties to tow the path of peace.

    “While encouraging all parties to continue in towing the paths already defined by law for the ventilation of grievances, we owe Nigeria an urgent duty to dismantle INEC, urgently,” Adegboruwa said.