“Stringent security measures were put in place on Tuesday at the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal and various sensitive areas across Abuja, ahead of the judgment delivery regarding the election challenges against President Bola Tinubu, scheduled for Wednesday (today).
This anticipation surrounded the supporters of Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party’s standard bearer, Peter Obi of the Labour Party, and President Tinubu, who awaited the verdict with great anticipation. Online, the petitioners’ supporters engaged in spirited debates while maintaining hope that the ruling would favor their respective candidates.
In readiness for the judgment, a substantial number of armed riot policemen, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps personnel, and undercover security operatives were strategically positioned throughout the Federal Capital Territory to prevent any potential breaches of law and order that might occur post-judgment.
The judgment will be issued by the Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Haruna Tsammani, along with other panel members, including Justices Stephen Adah, Monsurat Bolaji-Yusuf, Moses Ugo, and Abba Mohammed. The proceedings will take place at the Court of Appeal, Three Arms Zone, Abuja.”
“In a statement issued on Monday, Umar Bangari, the Chief Registrar of the Court of Appeal headquarters, announced that the tribunal’s verdict would be broadcast live on television on Wednesday. This decision aimed to enhance transparency and accessibility, allowing Nigerians to witness the proceedings.
On March 1, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, declared Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress as the president-elect, having received 8.8 million votes, defeating the PDP’s Atiku with 6.9 million votes and the LP candidate, Obi, with 6.1 million votes, along with 15 other candidates.
However, among the 18 political parties that participated in the elections, five challenged the election results.”
“In addition to the PDP and the LP, other dissatisfied parties included the Action Alliance, Action People’s Party, and the Allied Peoples Movement.
The primary contenders, Atiku and Obi, urged the tribunal to invalidate the victory of the former Lagos governor in the presidential election held on February 25.
Preceding the proceedings, extensive deployments of security personnel were made throughout the Federal Capital Territory. At around 6.50 pm, convoys of police officers arrived at the Court of Appeal, where police vehicles were used to secure the court entrance, and numerous officers patrolled the city in vehicles.
A police team received instructions from their superiors shortly after their arrival at the court premises.
A court employee noted that the memo sent to staff, informing them not to come to work on Wednesday, explicitly mentioned the heavy presence of security personnel around the court premises as a reason.
The official explained, “One of the reasons workers were instructed not to come tomorrow (today) was the anticipated heavy presence of security operatives at strategic locations within the court premises.”
It was reported that lawyers and litigants might undergo security screenings before entering the courtroom, with tight access control to the premises.
Numerous agents were stationed at key points in the Three Arms Zone, Julius Berger, Area One, Wuse, and other parts of the city. Police patrol vehicles were observed moving around near the Federal Secretariat, Muhammadu Buhari Way, and Ladoke Akintola Boulevard.
Furthermore, it was gathered that all major roads leading to the Court of Appeal would be cordoned off by the police before the commencement of court proceedings.”
According to a high-ranking security official, the acting Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, has issued orders for all police commands and formations nationwide to secure key hotspots within their jurisdictions to prevent any potential law and order disruptions.
It was also reported that the police conducted discreet deployments of personnel and equipment throughout the country, particularly in Abuja and Lagos State.
Authorities expressed concerns about the possibility of protests being incited by dissatisfied political figures.
“There is a collective concern among the police, military, DSS, and other agencies. A strike is ongoing, and the PEPT judgment is expected tomorrow (Wednesday), which places immense pressure on all security agencies. Some politicians and groups may seek to exploit the situation by organizing protests or inciting violence if the PEPT judgment doesn’t favor their candidate,” stated a senior officer.
In anticipation of potential post-judgment scenarios, the police have implemented comprehensive deployments and security measures. The force assured that its officers are well-prepared to maintain order, uphold the law, and safeguard the rights and freedoms of all citizens.
The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumiyiwa Adejobi, issued a statement cautioning “troublemakers and political figures to exercise restraint in their actions and statements.”
The Nigerian Police Force emphasized its commitment to not tolerate activities that could incite violence or lead to anarchy, emphasizing that all citizens, regardless of their political affiliations, should promote peace and maintain calm for a peaceful and secure environment.
Adejobi emphasized, “To strengthen the security infrastructure and prevent any potential disruption of law and order nationwide due to the upcoming Presidential Election Petition Tribunal Judgment scheduled for Wednesday, September 6, 2023, the Nigeria Police Force has bolstered its presence across the entire country.
The Police reaffirm their commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property before, during, and after the judgment. The NPF has carefully implemented all necessary deployments and security measures for this critical period, with officers and personnel fully prepared to maintain order and enforce laws, while respecting the rights and freedoms of all citizens.
Additionally, the NPF issues a strong caution to all individuals, including troublemakers and political figures, urging them to exercise caution in their actions and statements. The Force will not tolerate activities that could incite violence or lead to a descent into chaos.
It is crucial for all citizens, regardless of their political affiliations, to promote peace and maintain a calm environment during this time. The Nigeria Police Force is dedicated to its duty of protecting and serving the Nigerian people and is committed to carrying out these responsibilities with professionalism, impartiality, and unwavering dedication. Together, we can ensure a peaceful and secure environment for all during this period.”
Reno Omokri, an Atiku supporter and former media aide to former President Goodluck Jonathan, expressed his belief that no reasonable court would order another election. He argued that Nigeria had already invested heavily in the last election, and there would need to be a compelling reason to order a rerun, citing the need to avoid spending another significant amount on elections. He mentioned that Peter Obi had not presented any substantial evidence to invalidate the #NigerianElections2023.
Supporters of Peter Obi are optimistic about “reclaiming” the mandate.
@PO_GrassRootM tweeted, “Obi’s mandate will be recovered and Nigerians shall celebrate. H.E Peter Obi and Datti Baba-Ahmed will be victorious tomorrow They are unstoppable a new Nigeria is possible through them.
@orlharOpeyemi said, “Nothing shakes our own PBAT’’
