The Presidential Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja Tuesday joined the three petitions, challenging the declaration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu as President-elect by the National Independent Electoral Commission.
The five-member panel, led by Justice Haruna Tsammani, in unanimous decision consolidated the petitions after directing parties on Saturday to look at the provisions of paragraph 50 of the first Schedule of the Electoral Act regarding the issue of consolidation. The Peoples Democratic Party, Labour Party and the Allied People Movement presidential candidates want the tribunal to void the declaration of Tinubu as President-elect.
The case was adjourned until May 30 for a full hearing, Mr. Obi will present his case and conclude on June 23, he will make his final briefs on August 5, and the Tribunal will make its final judgement
Meanwhile, the Justice Tsammani-led panel instructed security agents to prevent people from bringing their mobile phones into the courtroom. The decision was to ensure the safety and security of stakeholders, stating that “with the latest technology, a small chip can set everyone here ablaze,” Justice Tsammani stated.
On Monday, the tribunal ruled that it would not allow a live telecast of the tribunal proceedings because there was no basis, whether, in law or judicial procedure, the court could rely on to grant the application.
