Live Update on the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (Updated)
As the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal commences its judgment today in Abuja, decisions have been rendered on one of the four pivotal issues raised for adjudication:
1. Double Nomination Disqualification: The central issue questioned whether Shetimma’s dual nomination had disqualified his candidacy. The court promptly dismissed this case, deeming it a pre-election matter. It should have been raised within 14 days of the default being noticed, and should have been brought before the Federal High Court. Consequently, the court found this issue to lack merit and struck it down.
2. Irregularities and Vote Manipulation: Peter Obi and his fellow petitioners failed to substantiate their claims of irregularities, vote inflation, and deflation. They also couldn’t provide evidence of the total number of votes obtained. Consequently, the issue raised was struck out.
3. Criminal Offense Allegations against Tinubu: The court ruled to dismiss the petitioner’s case as they failed to substantiate their claims of Tinubu’s involvement in a criminal offense, rendering him ineligible.
4. 25% Votes in the FCT: The court addressed the contention surrounding the requirement for 25% of the votes in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). It held that Abuja should be considered a state, and votes from the FCT should be treated on equal footing with votes from other states in Nigeria. Thus, the issue was promptly dismissed.
These clarifications aim to provide a more concise and clear representation of the key outcomes from the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal.
