The Labour Party has expressed concerns over today’s Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT) judgement, News About Nigeria reports.
In a press release dated September 5, the Labour Party, through its National Publicity Secretary Obiora Ifoh, voiced its apprehension regarding the forthcoming judgement of the court.
The statement contains several developments that the Labour Party has concerned itself with, in the lead-up to the said ruling.
One of the primary concerns raised by the Labour Party is the alarming statements coming from prominent figures, including the former Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, Justice Mary Odili.
Her remarks at a recent colloquium in Abuja, where she was interpreted as to have seemingly hinted at the outcome of the judgement, have left many within the party deeply unsettled.
The party finds such statements from individuals with an intimate knowledge of the judiciary’s sanctity to be regrettable and potentially detrimental to Nigeria’s democratic journey.
Furthermore, the Labour Party points out the lavish praise heaped upon the legal representatives of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the same event.
This praise, coming from a former justice of the Supreme Court, has been viewed by the Labour Party as undignified and contrary to the principle of upholding the integrity of the courts.
Another noteworthy development mentioned is the abrupt shift in the PEPC’s stance regarding live television coverage of the judgment.
Labour Party recalled that the court initially refused to broadcast the hearings but now seeks to televise the verdict.
This change has raised questions about the motives behind the decision and what may have transpired behind closed doors.
The Labour Party also expresses awareness of attempts to manipulate public perception by attributing problems to the political opposition.
The party emphasises the democratic right to peaceful demonstrations and calls upon state security agents to safeguard both demonstrators and non-demonstrators.
However, the Labour Party urged Nigerians to maintain calm, respect the rule of law, and remember that the legal process has not yet reached its final conclusion.
