Nigerians Await Presidential Election Tribunal Judgment with Anxiety
As the five Justices who heard the election petitions filed by the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, and the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi, at the presidential election petition tribunal get ready to deliver their ruling on the matter, Nigerians both at home and abroad are filled with high hopes that the judges will base their judgment on the facts and evidence presented before them, rather than technicalities or other considerations.
To provide context, after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the February 25 presidential election, Atiku and Obi, dissatisfied with the outcome, lodged petitions challenging the election results.
They raised various issues, including allegations of irregularities, manipulation of election results, voter intimidation, ballot box destruction, and issues related to Tinubu’s qualification to contest the presidency.
Atiku argued that Tinubu did not meet the constitutional requirements for being declared president due to concerns about not scoring 25 percent of the votes in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, and other issues related to his qualification.
Now, as the tribunal concludes its proceedings and the judgment day approaches, many Nigerians are anxious about the outcome. Some worry that the verdict, whichever way it goes, could lead to protests and further tensions.
However, others are urging the Justices to remain steadfast and deliver their judgment based on the merits of the case rather than bowing to external pressures. People hope that the judges will uphold justice, transparency, and the rule of law, regardless of political implications.
People believe that the judges hold a significant responsibility to ensure democracy thrives in Nigeria and that they will make decisions that are accepted by the majority of Nigerians and observers worldwide.
Ultimately, Nigerians await the tribunal’s judgment, recognizing its potential impact on the country’s political landscape and the overall public sentiment towards the judiciary.