ABUJA, Nigeria – After four weeks of anticipation, the Presidential Election Tribunal has set a date to reveal its much-awaited judgment.
A reliable source confirmed on Sunday, August 27, 2023, that Justice Haruna Simon Tsamani presided over the five-member tribunal will announce its decision on September 16.
Interestingly, that date also serves as the tribunal’s deadline for delivering its verdict.
The tribunal convening at the Court of Appeal complex in Abuja between May 8 and August 1 will decide on the petitions filed by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, the Labour Party, LP, and the Allied Peoples Movement, APM.
Each party, represented by their presidential candidates—Alhaji Atiku Abubakar for PDP, Mr. Peter Obi for LP, and Princess Chichi Ojei for APM—has contested the legitimacy of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s presidential win.
Tinubu was declared the winner of the February 25, 2023, presidential election by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
The cases spotlight Tinubu, the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, and INEC as the defendants.
Each petitioning party has brought forth varying allegations, ranging from electoral malpractice to discrepancies in the vote count, aiming to overturn INEC’s declaration.
“This is a critical moment in our democracy,” said Professor Ayo Olatunde, a political analyst. “The tribunal’s decision could either strengthen the electoral system by upholding justice or weaken it if perceived as partisan or unjust. The whole country is watching.”
Legal experts have noted that the stakes are extremely high, not just for the candidates but also for the integrity of electoral processes in Nigeria.
“This case could serve as a precedent for future elections,” said Barrister Omolara Adegoke. “It is essential that the tribunal demonstrates an uncompromising commitment to the rule of law, to maintain public trust.”
The Justice Tsamani-led tribunal has been meticulous in its proceedings, going through thousands of documents and hours of oral testimonies.
The tribunal’s verdict on September 16 will undoubtedly be a defining moment in Nigeria’s political landscape, likely sparking nationwide reactions regardless of the outcome.
The approaching judgment day also raises concerns about public response and potential for unrest. Security agencies have been put on high alert, and civil society groups plan to act as peace monitors.
As the clock ticks down to September 16, the nation holds its breath, awaiting a decision that could alter the course of Nigerian politics for years to come.
