The Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal (PEPT), on Monday the 16th of September, dismissed two petitions that were submitted to challenge the outcome of the 2019 presidential election. The petitions were submitted by the Vice Presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Peter Obi, and the Labour Party (LP).
The PEPT panel ruled that the petitions lacked evidence and were unable to point out any substantial irregularities or electoral fraud in the conduct of the presidential election.
In the petition filed by the Labour Party, the party had claimed that the conduct of the election was marred by issues such as over-voting, inflation of votes, and violence against voters. However, the PEPT panel, led by Justice Mohammed Garba, held that the party failed to produce substantial evidence to prove its claims beyond a reasonable doubt.
Similarly, in the case filed by Peter Obi, the tribunal ruled that the petitioner relied heavily on hearsay and was unable to provide concrete evidence to prove that the election was not conducted in compliance with the Nigerian constitution and the Electoral Act.
The ruling was met with mixed reactions from members of the public, especially supporters of the PDP. Some expressed disappointment at the verdict, while others commended the tribunal for upholding the law and the Nigerian constitution.
Meanwhile, several individuals and organizations have called on Nigerians to accept the verdict and move on. The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) issued a statement urging political parties to refrain from making statements that could incite violence or undermine the integrity of the judiciary.
The PEPT ruling marks an important milestone in Nigeria’s democratic journey and sends a strong message that the Nigerian judiciary is committed to upholding the law and protecting the interest of the citizens.
It is important to note that suicide and self-harm are not viable solutions to electoral disputes or any other challenges faced by individuals or groups in Nigeria. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached at 1-800-273-TALK for individuals who need help or support.
In conclusion, it is imperative that all parties involved in electoral disputes should always seek redress through non-violent and legal means to ensure the sustainability of Nigeria’s democracy.
