The Court of Appeal has officially confirmed that the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal will on Wednesday, September 6, deliver judgements in two separate petitions filed by the presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Mr Atiku Abubakar, and that of the Labour Party (LP), Mr Peter Obi, challenging the declaration of President Bola Tinubu as winner of the February 25, 2023 presidential election.
The tribunal is headed by Justice Haruna Tsammani. The others are Stephen Jonah Adah, Misitura Bolaji-Yusuf (only female in the tribunal), Boloukuoromo Moses Ugo, and Mohammed Abba Bello.
The chief registrar of the court, Mr Umar Bangari, said in a statement that interested television stations will be allowed to broadcast the judgments live.
“In a bid to promote transparency and openness, these judgments will be televised live by interested Television Stations for the public to follow.
“Access to the Court premises will be strictly on accreditation.
“Only accredited individuals, including counsel and representatives of political parties, will be granted access into the courtroom.
“Interested members of the public are advised to watch proceedings from their television sets,” Bangari said
Meanwhile, staff of the court were have been asked to stay at home to create a peaceful atmosphere during the tribunal session.
This is contained in a memo signed on behalf of Bangari by Mr Oluwaleye David.
“I have been directed to inform all members of staff of the headquarters and Abuja division to stay at home on Wednesday, 6th of September, 2023.
“This is to create a conducive and peaceful atmosphere for special sitting for the presidential election tribunal petition at Abuja division of the court.
“In view of the above, very strong security apparatus have been arranged to man the entrance of the court and also in all strategic areas of the court complex.
“In addition, only staff with tags provided by the management will be allowed into the court premises. Please be informed as instructed,” the memo state.
Meanwhile, the presidency said Tinubu is not worried about possible outcomes of the verdict of the election tribunal because “he knows that he won the election.”
Spokesman for the president, Mr Ajuri Ngelale stated this in an interview on Channels Television
“Unlike some political gladiators in the country, the president sees no need to threaten judicial officers,” he said.
“He sees no need to raise speculations against the integrity of judicial officers. He believes in the sanctity and integrity of the Nigerian judicial system.
“He believes the great men and women on the panel will make their decisions based only on the facts before them and not based on anything else.
“As a result of his confidence and faith in the judiciary, he believes that the mandate which Nigerians freely gave to him during the elections would stand. That is the position of the president.
“He will continue to ensure that no matter what the outcome of the judgment is, he does his part and ensures that our institutions continue to be respected, not just by him, but by all actors.
“He is not worried because he knows he won the election. We believe that we have presented the best case and the evidence is on our side,” Ngelale said.
