Inside the 2023 Presidential Election Petition Hearing: Day 6
On June 2023, the nation was captivated by the unfolding drama surrounding the presidential election petition hearing. On the sixth day of the proceedings, key figures such as Peter Obi and his campaign DG Aki Osuntos and other Labor party members, Valentine Ozigbo, Obaze Oseloka, and Julius Abure, made their way into the courtroom a few minutes before the proceedings, presenting an engaging spectacle for the public and the media. There was no notable representation of any of the respondents in court.
Let’s take a closer look at the highlights of this eventful day and what transpired during the hearing.
Also Read: Summary of Presidential Election Petition Tribunal Day 5
The courtroom was buzzing with anticipation as the clock struck at 2:25 PM. The Justice presiding over the case apologized for the late start, citing a matter of grave importance that required their immediate attention. With the formalities out of the way, Justice Abba Mohammed officially welcomed everyone and promptly commenced the proceedings.
The Day Begins
The Petition of Peter Obi and the Labour Party with Petition Number CA/PEPC/03/2023 was called.
Representing Peter Obi are Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazy (SAN), Chief Awa Kalu (SAN), Chief Ben Anyachebe (SAN), Jubrin Okutepa (SAN), and many other senior advocates in court. Dr. Livy Uzoukwu (SAN) led the petitioners for Peter Obi and the Labour Party.
Dr. Kemi Pinheiro (SAN) led the 1st respondent (INEC) legal team, and Wole Olanipekun (SAN) led the 2nd and 3rd respondents (Bola Tinubu and Kashim Shettima) legal team.
Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) led the 4th respondent (APC) legal team. Chief Ben Anyachebe (SAN) conducted the proceedings on behalf of the petitioners.
The Petitioners’ Evidence, Objections, and Court’s Ruling
The petitioners had previously submitted INEC-certified true copies of forms EC8As in 20 states to support their case. On this day, they continued by presenting INEC-certified true copies of forms EC8Bs for additional states, totaling 343 local governments across 17 states of the Federation. These documents were obtained from INEC.
Despite the efforts of the petitioners, objections were raised by the respondents, including INEC, Bola Tinubu, Kashim Shettima, and APC. The specific reasons for their objections were not immediately disclosed but were to be included in their written addresses.
To the relief of the petitioners, the court overruled the objections and admitted all the INEC forms EC8Bs for the 343 local governments in the 17 states as exhibits. This marked a significant step forward for the petitioners in their quest to prove their case.
Despite the efforts of the petitioners, objections were raised by the respondents, including INEC, Bola Tinubu, Kashim Shettima, and APC. The specific reasons for their objections were not immediately disclosed but were to be included in their written addresses.
To the relief of the petitioners, the court overruled the objections and admitted all the INEC forms ec-8bs for the 343 local governments in the 17 states as exhibits. This marked a significant step forward for the petitioners in their quest to prove their case.
Adjournment
With no further business for the day, the petitioners sought an adjournment, which all the respondents agreed to. The court then set the continuation of the hearing for June 7, 2023, at 2 PM.
The PEPT hearing was an intense presentation. Peter Obi and the Labor Party stood their ground and were supported by their legal team led by Dr. Livy Uzoukwu (SAN).
As the case continues, the nation remains on edge, waiting for the verdict that will determine the future course of the country. Until then, everyone involved must wait with bated breath, knowing that the decisions made inside that courtroom will shape the destiny of millions.