ABUJA, Nigeria— As anticipation builds for the impending judgment on the petitions filed by presidential candidates of the Labour Party and Peoples Democratic Party challenging President Tinubu’s election victory, security measures have been significantly ramped up around the Court of Appeal headquarters in Abuja.
Beginning from 7 pm on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, men from the Nigeria Police Force were observed relocating materials from the nearby Force Headquarters to the Court of Appeal, which is also the venue for the Presidential Election Petition Court, PEPC.
By 7:30 pm, traffic on key roads leading to the court had been substantially restricted, and it has been confirmed that access to the Three-Arms-Zone, where the court is situated, will be limited starting from 6 am on Wednesday, September 6, 2023.
An official from the security forces spoke to reporters on the condition of anonymity:
“We have sufficiently mobilized our men and materials for Wednesday’s exercise. We don’t anticipate trouble, but we’re prepared for any eventuality. We hope that politicians and their supporters will conduct themselves appropriately,” the official said.
Security experts believe that the heightened security is both a necessary and wise move, considering the significance of the upcoming judgment and the potential for public reaction.
“This is a high-stakes judgment that could have significant political implications. The security forces are right to take every precaution to ensure that peace and order are maintained,” said Dr. Aisha Bello, a security analyst.
Concerned citizens hope the judgment will be fair and its aftermath will be peaceful, irrespective of the outcome.
“We only hope that justice will prevail, and whatever the judgment, it will reflect the true will of the Nigerian people,” said Chijioke Obi, a resident of Abuja.
As the nation waits with bated breath, all eyes will be on the Court of Appeal on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, not just for the judgment but also for the public reaction that will follow.
