Palpable anxiety has gripped the nation, especially in the Federal Capital Territory, as the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT) prepares to deliver its much-anticipated judgment on the February 25th election.
Chief Registrar of the Court of Appeal, Umar Mohammed Bangari, confirmed the judgment date on Monday, stating that interested television stations would be allowed to broadcast the verdict live
The five-member panel, led by Justice Haruna Tsammani, reserved judgment on August 1st after all parties had presented their final briefs of argument for and against the petitions. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), represented by Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, as well as the Labour Party (LP) and the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), are all seeking to nullify the election of President Bola Tinubu.
Atiku and Obi’s separate petitions (marked CA/PEPC/05/2023 and CA/PEPC/03/2023) challenge both Tinubu’s presidential declaration and the credibility of the election itself.
Nationwide, heightened security surveillance has been observed in preparation for the tribunal’s judgment. A senior security official acknowledged the heightened apprehension in the country, emphasizing the need for vigilance.
In Abuja, a level 4 security alert has been issued, indicating a greater likelihood of life-threatening risks. The police have confirmed that they have bolstered security nationwide to prevent any potential breakdown of law and order following the tribunal’s verdict.
In a statement, police spokesman Olumuyiwa Adejobi reaffirmed the force’s commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property before, during, and after the judgment. Adejobi warned against misinformation and unguarded statements by mischief-makers and politicians, urging the public to act and speak cautiously to avoid inciting violence.
Meanwhile, members of the PDP gathered at their National Secretariat in Abuja for a fasting and prayer session, hoping for a favorable judgment. Former Adamawa governor Boni Haruna delivered a message of faith, drawing inspiration from the Bible. He expressed optimism that the PDP would recover its “mandate” through the tribunal.
The LP, on the other hand, raised concerns about unfolding developments ahead of the judgment, including statements made by former Justice Mary Odili and some political figures. LP emphasized the importance of due process and the rule of law in Nigeria’s democratic evolution.
As the nation awaits the tribunal’s verdict, Nigerians have been urged to remain calm, peaceful, and abide by the rule of law, understanding that the matter has not reached its final conclusion
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