The Election Petition Tribunal for the Presidential Election has issued a directive to Peter Obi and the Labour Party, urging them to present their joint petition challenging Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s victory in the 2023 election within a timeframe of three weeks.
News About Nigeria reports that in addition, the Tribunal has ordered Tinubu, the President-elect, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to defend his victory within five days.
Justice Haruna Simon Tsammani, the Chairman of the Tribunal, announced these orders during the presentation of the Tribunal’s report on the pre-hearing session.
One of the key instructions given by Justice Tsammani was for Obi to commence the hearing of his petition on May 30 and conclude it by June 23.
Previously, Obi, represented by his counsel Professor Awa Kalu, SAN, had requested a seven-week period to substantiate their allegations against Tinubu’s victory.
However, considering the limited time available for disposing of the petition, the Tribunal made the decision to allow a shorter duration.
To expedite the proceedings, the Tribunal also ruled for the consolidation of the petitions.
This means that multiple petitions related to the election will be combined and heard together, ensuring a more efficient process.
However, the objection raised by Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) against the consolidation was rejected by the Tribunal.
It is worth noting that this development marks a crucial step in the electoral dispute, as it establishes the timeline and expectations for the involved parties.
The Tribunal’s insistence on adherence to the specified deadlines underscores the importance of timely resolution and maintaining a fair and efficient judicial process.
As the proceedings move forward, it remains to be seen how the parties will present their arguments and evidence in support of their respective positions.
The consolidation of the petitions is anticipated to streamline the hearing process, allowing for a comprehensive evaluation of the issues at hand.
