“Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the presidential elections petition tribunal (PEPT) is set to announce its verdict in September. During this period, Nigerians are witnessing the complexities of electoral legal issues that arise when elections are poorly managed.
A May 2023 report from the International Crisis Group highlighted concerns about the lack of transparent ballot collation by the electoral commission and raised questions about Tinubu’s eligibility for the top post, leading to legal challenges to the election results.
As the nation grapples with a debilitating economy, many are pinning their hopes on the outcome of the election petitions for a potential reset. Supporters of the incumbent President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly hope for a judicial confirmation of his victory in February.
Tinubu, representing the All Progressives Congress (APC), was declared the winner with 8,794,726 votes. However, the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate Atiku Abubakar, along with Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) candidate, are contesting Tinubu’s victory.
The ongoing judicial inquiry into the presidential election outcome is an integral part of the electoral process, which will culminate with the Supreme Court’s final conclusions.
Nigeria’s Electoral Act stipulates that the tribunal has 180 days to determine the petitions, and all activities are expected to conclude by September 16, 2023.
Nigeria’s democracy has a history of electoral outcomes ending up in the courts for adjudication, with courts typically affirming the election managers’ declared results.
However, there is a massive trust deficit among citizens regarding the judiciary. Many lack confidence in the judiciary’s ability to uphold justice, as it often appears to prioritize technicalities over fair decisions.
For Nigerians, the court’s judgment is of utmost importance. While some believe that removing Tinubu from the presidency is necessary, others see it as an opportunity for further resentment and polarization in the country.
Amid this legal drama, one of the most significant impacts will be on ensuring a free, fair, and safe voting process. It is crucial for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remove any non-legitimate impediments to voting, as the right to vote is a cornerstone of democracy.
Ultimately, Nigerians want their votes to count, and they seek a transparent electoral process that allows citizens to choose their leaders without undue influence from the judiciary.”
