The Election Petition Court has adjourned the pre-hearing session for the petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, against the President-elect, Bola Tinubu, of the All Progressive Congress (APC), News About Nigeria reports.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Tinubu as the winner of the presidential election, but the PDP and Atiku are disputing this decision.
Marked as CA/PEPC/05/2023, the petition lists the Independent National Electoral Commission, Bola Tinubu, and the APC as the respondents. The court has postponed the continuation of the pre-hearing to Thursday, May 18, 2023.
The morning session of the pre-hearing began with Chris Uche SAN, the legal representative for Atiku and the PDP, expressing their keen interest in the case. Seeking permission from Wole Olanikpekun, Uche stated, “I have the permission of Wole Olanikpekun to indicate interest first in number 2.”
As a result, Uche was granted the opportunity to present his arguments at the forefront of the proceedings.
The adjournment of the pre-hearing means that there will be a delay in the examination of the evidence and arguments put forth by the PDP and Atiku, as well as the counterarguments from the respondents.
The court’s decision to postpone the session indicates the importance of thorough consideration and the need to ensure a fair and just legal process.
The PDP and Atiku’s petition challenges the legitimacy of Tinubu’s election as the President-elect, casting doubt on the declaration made by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
This legal dispute underscores the significance of the electoral process and the responsibility of the court to review and address any claims of irregularities or violations that may have occurred.
The upcoming pre-hearing on Thursday, May 18, 2023, will be a crucial event in the proceedings.
It will provide an opportunity for both the petitioners and respondents to present their arguments, backed by evidence, and engage in a comprehensive legal examination.
