In a move aimed at ensuring credible and transparent elections, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, will on Thursday, May 25, inaugurate 39 newly appointed members of the Election Petition Tribunal. The ceremony will take place at the main hall of the Supreme Court of Nigeria Complex in Abuja at 11 am.
According to a statement by Dr Festus Akande, the Director of Information and Press of the court, the newly appointed members will join others to adjudicate over petitions that may arise from the conduct of the 2023 general elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The CJN’s decision to constitute an election tribunal is a crucial step in ensuring that disputes arising from elections are resolved promptly, fairly, and transparently.
As part of their duties, the members of the Election Petition Tribunal will be expected to examine each petition and consider evidence from both sides before arriving at a decision. They must remain impartial and operate within the confines of the law to avoid bias in their judgments.
This move by the CJN is a significant step in promoting democracy, the rule of law, and transparency in the Nigerian electoral process. Elections in Nigeria have often been marred by allegations of irregularities, and this move could restore public confidence in the electoral process by ensuring that grievances are addressed through legal means.
The CJN’s decision to constitute an election tribunal is in line with Nigeria’s constitution, which mandates that persons who are dissatisfied with election outcomes have the right to seek redress in court.
The inauguration of the Election Petition Tribunal will provide a platform for resolving disputes surrounding the conduct of the 2023 general elections professionally, in line with global best practices, and in a manner that inspires public trust.
