Muheeb Mashood reports
The Election Tribunal of the Federal Court of Appeal, the Federal Republic of Nigeria sitting at Abuja has set Wednesday, 6th 2023 as a date to grant declaration relief on the presidential election petitions.
The statement was disclosed in a circular released on Monday, 4th 2023 and signed by the Chief Registrar of the court, Umar M. Bangari, Esq.
It can be recalled that the candidates of the opposition parties, Peter Gregory Obi of the Labour Party (LP), Abubakar Atiku of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and others have earlier appealed to the Court of Appeal about the decision of the Election Tribunal sitting at Abuja that validated and declared President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of All Progressive Congress (APC) as the winner of the 2023 Presidential general election, concluded in February.
Three petitions were raised for the determination of the honorable court. Firstly, the dispute between Peter Gregory Obi with others and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and three others. Also, the matter between the Allied People’s Movement against INEC and four others. Similarly, the dispute between Abubakar Atiku versus INEC and two others.
Speaking on the condition, only a limited number of the public will be allowed to be present in the courtroom as other people were advised to follow the proceedings on the television. The statement revealed that an entry into the venue is only restricted to those people granted the access based on accreditation.
In a bid to awaken public awareness, reliability and transparency, It’s made known to the general public that the judgment will be transmitted live by any interested TV stations.
The statement reads in full : “The Court of Appeal wishes to inform the General Public that judgment in the following petitions before the Presidential Election Petition Court will be delivered on Wednesday 6th September 2023: CA/PEPC/03/2023 between Mr. Peter Gregory Obi & Anor VS. Independent National Electoral Commission & 3 Ors; CA/PEPC/04/2023 between Allied Peoples Movement VS. Independent National Electoral Commission & 4 Ors; CA/PEPC/05/2023 between Abubakar Atiku & Anor VS. Independent National Electoral Commission & 2 Ors.
“In a bid to promote transparency and openness, these judgments will be televised live by interested Television Stations for the public to follow.”
“Access to the Court premises will be strictly on accreditation. Only accredited individuals, including Counsel and representatives of Political Parties, will be granted access into the Courtroom. Interested members of the public are advised to watch proceedings from their television sets.
“For accreditation and further inquiries, please contact: Josephine on 08037052260 or Samira on 08164483081.
“We appeal for the maximum cooperation of the General Public to ensure a hitch-free exercise, please.”