Navigating the Waters of Political Trials: Lessons from the Presidential Election Petition Court.

Navigating the Waters of Political Trials: Lessons from the Presidential Election Petition Court.

By: Adl.

Between the last edition of Loud and Clear and now, a lot of subject matters have cropped up in our political and social space. The most interesting one of them is the Judgment of the Presidential Election Petition Court. 

In the ever-evolving landscape of Nigerian politics, the recent decision by the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) has sent tongue-wagging throughout the nation. On the fateful Wednesday 6th September, 2023, Justice Haruna Simon Tsammani and his fellow justices delivered a verdict that upheld the election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the validly elected President of Nigeria in the hotly contested February 25 presidential elections.

The Tribunal not only upheld the presidential election results but also ruled that the candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was validly declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the winner of the election.

The Presidential Election Petitions Court said the presidential candidate of the Labour Pary (LP) Peter Obi failed to specify how they scored the majority of lawful votes in the February 25 presidential election. In his petition, Obi and the Labour Party said they won the election and should be declared winner.

However, while reading the lead judgment, Justice Abba Bello Mohammed said the Obi and his party only made generic allegations of irregularities, suppression of votes, and corrupt practices to rob them of their votes, especially in Rivers, Benue, Lagos, Taraba, Imo and Osun states but failed to specify the polling units affected.

Justice Mohammed further held that LP also failed to prove the allegations of overvoting against the All Progressives Congress (APC) and their actual reduced votes.

"It is unimaginable that a petitioner will allege widespread rigging in 176,000 Polling units, over 8,000 wards, 774 LGAs, 36 States, and FCT without stating the specific place where the alleged irregularities occur.

“The law is very clear that where someone alleged irregularities in a particular polling unit, such person must prove the particular irregularities in that polling unit for him to succeed in his petition.

“Labour Party made generic allegations of irregularities and said they would rely on spreadsheets, inspection reports, and forensic analysis but the documents promised by the petitioners were not attached to the petition.”

"The determination of election is about figures,” Justice Mohammed said.

What makes this ruling particularly noteworthy is the dismissal of the petitions filed by both the Labour Party and the People's Democratic Party (PDP). The PEPC ruled that the two petitioners and their Presidential candidates, Peter Obi and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, respectively, did not present sufficient claims or facts that they both won the Presidential elections. The Court went on to describe their petitions as vague, ambiguous, and nebulous, lacking the substantive proof needed to overturn the presidential election results.

In the lead-up to the hearings, the Labour Party and its candidate, Peter Obi were expected to gather compelling evidence, especially considering their third-place finish in the election. However, their approach left much to be desired. Instead of focusing on gathering concrete evidence to present before the tribunal, Peter Obi and his supporters resorted to social media blackmail across various platforms.

Their campaign took a divisive turn as they targeted anyone who dared to speak the bitter truth. Highly respected individuals and even men of God found themselves on the receiving end of abuse and condemnation if they did not align with Peter Obi and his Obidients followers. This approach did not serve them well in the court of public opinion and ultimately did not help their legal case either.

The recent judgment by the PEPC upholding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's victory in the 2023 presidential election serves as a stark reminder of the importance of presenting compelling evidence and conducting a professional and strategic appeal process. As the Labour Party and the PDP now navigate the challenging waters of the Supreme Court, their success will hinge on their ability to learn from past mistakes and build a robust case based on facts and legal merit.

It is regrettable that instead of addressing their appeal with strength and determination, they have chosen again to criticize and condemn the judgment of the Five Men of the Appeal Court. This divisive stance will definitely not bode well for their prospects in the Supreme Court. To achieve a different outcome, they must carefully reflect on their strategy and shift their focus towards a well-prepared, fact-based appeal.

The road ahead for both parties is fraught with challenges. They must resist the temptation to continue attacking everyone who disagrees with them and instead channel their energy into crafting a compelling case. The success of their appeal lies not in social media wars but in a thorough examination of the evidence and a solid legal argument.

As Nigerians watch closely, hoping for a fair and just resolution, the onus is on the Labour Party and the PDP to rise above the fray and present a united front in their pursuit of expected justice. The lessons learned from this tumultuous journey through the courts should serve as a reminder that the strength of democracy lies in a robust and transparent legal process.

No doubt, the recent PEPC ruling has left a lasting impact on Nigeria's political landscape. It underscores the significance of building a case on concrete evidence rather than resorting to divisive tactics. 

In a nation where the democratic process is still finding its footing, this moment in history serves as a pivotal juncture. It is a reminder that the stability and progress of Nigeria depend on the integrity of its institutions, particularly the judiciary. The role of the courts in upholding the rule of law cannot be overstated. It is through their decisions that the collective will of the people finds its voice and resonance. Thus, the recent PEPC ruling underscores the need for both politicians and citizens to respect and have faith in the legal process, regardless of their political affiliations.

Moreover, this episode should ignite a nationwide conversation about the importance of responsible and evidence-based politics. Political discourse should be a platform for informed debates and well-considered policies rather than a battleground of personal attacks and unsubstantiated claims. The onus is on all stakeholders, from political leaders to the media and civil society, to foster an environment where truth prevails over sensationalism, and where the strength of one's argument is determined by facts and reason, not by the volume of their rhetoric. Only then can Nigeria truly embark on a path of progress and unity, leaving behind the divisive tactics that have marred its political landscape for far too long.

Adl is a Public Analyst and a Social Media Influencer. He wrote this as part of his weekly essay tagged: Loud & Clear.