The Ohanaeze sociocultural organisation has cautioned the judges of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal against issuing an erroneous judgment.
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that, according to the group, an erroneous judgment could lead to a situation similar to the military coup in Niger Republic.
Ohanaeze said the judges must be independent in their verdict of the 2023 general elections, which are marred by allegations of irregularities and non-compliance with electoral laws.
The group’s factional Secretary-General, Okechukwu Isisguzoro, said the lack of adherence to the electronic transfer of election results from polling units to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) central server, known as IREV, further fueled these concerns.
Isisguzoro said Nigerians are eagerly awaiting the verdict of the PEPT, and their expectations are high for an unbiased and uncompromised judgment.
He said the interpretation of the constitutional requirement for a presidential candidate to win 25% of 2/3 of the states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja is a crucial issue that the judiciary must address.
He said, “As Nigerians eagerly await the verdict of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT), their expectations are high for an unbiased and uncompromised judgment.”
“Additionally, the interpretation of the constitutional requirement for a presidential candidate to win 25% of 2/3 of the states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja is a crucial issue that the judiciary must address.
“We emphasise the consequences of an erroneous judgment in light of recent events such as the Nigerien military coup. The apex Igbo cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has cautioned the PEPT judges against making any errors in their verdict. Nigerians understand the gravity of this warning and recognise the potential consequences of an erroneous judgment. The judiciary must consider the broader implications of their decisions, as a flawed verdict could undermine public confidence in the democratic process and lead to social and political unrest.
“Recent events, such as the military coup in Niger, serve as a stark reminder of the fragility of democracy and the importance of upholding the rule of law. Nigerians have witnessed the disastrous consequences of political instability and the erosion of democratic institutions. The PEPT must bear these lessons in mind and recognise the pivotal role they play in upholding the integrity of the electoral process and preserving Nigeria’s democracy.
“The expectations of Nigerians for the 2023 Presidential Election Petition Tribunal are rooted in the desire for an unbiased and uncompromised verdict.”
