In a bid to uphold the integrity of the February 25 presidential poll, President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima have passionately urged the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal not to nullify the election. The duo made this plea amidst the controversy surrounding the 25 percent requirement in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
During the proceedings, Tinubu and Shettima, through their lead counsel, Wole Olanipekun, vehemently called for the dismissal of the petition filed by the Labour Party (LP) and its presidential candidate, Peter Obi. Olanipekun, with his vast experience and legal expertise, delivered a compelling final address, describing the arguments and testimonies presented by the challengers as “frivolous, bogus, and based on hearsay.”
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Olanipekun argued that the petition lacked both merit and substance, urging the court to dismiss it in its entirety. He emphasized that the petitioners’ claim that Tinubu and Shettima’s election should be nullified for not scoring 25 percent or one-quarter of the votes recorded in the FCT was unfounded. According to Olanipekun, the use of the term “and” in the constitution is conjunctive, not disjunctive, and therefore does not support the petitioners’ contention.
“The appellant woefully failed to realize that judges do not act like oracles of life, engaged in crystal gazing and proclaiming a new Oba in succession to a deceased Oba,” Olanipekun asserted. He further highlighted that judges cannot perform miracles in handling civil claims, nor manufacture evidence to assist a plaintiff in winning their case.
The resolute stand taken by Tinubu and Shettima in defending the validity of the presidential poll showcases their unwavering commitment to upholding the democratic process. Their plea to the tribunal is not only rooted in their personal interests but also in the interest of the nation as a whole.
The controversy surrounding the 25 percent requirement in the FCT has been a subject of intense debate. Critics argue that the provision is ambiguous and should be interpreted more flexibly to ensure fairness and inclusivity. However, Tinubu and Shettima’s legal team has made a compelling case, asserting that the provision should be understood in its conjunctive sense, as intended by the framers of the Constitution.
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As the proceedings unfold, the nation eagerly awaits the tribunal’s decision. The outcome of this case will not only determine the fate of the February 25 presidential poll but also set a precedent for future elections. The credibility of Nigeria’s electoral system hangs in the balance, and the tribunal’s ruling will be a defining moment for the nation.
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In conclusion, the plea made by President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima to the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal to uphold the February 25 presidential poll highlights their dedication to preserving the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process. Their legal team’s arguments have shed light on the controversy surrounding the 25 percent requirement in the FCT, emphasizing the importance of interpreting constitutional provisions accurately. As the tribunal prepares to make its decision, the nation eagerly awaits the outcome, recognizing the significance it holds for the future of Nigerian elections.
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