In a thrilling turn of events at the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT) today, the spotlight was on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as they presented their case. Anticipation filled the air, with hopes that there would be no witness glitches this time around. As the judges took their seats and the lawyers prepared for the proceedings, one party stood out—the Labour Party, whose presence was heavily felt in the courtroom. Among the lawyers present were many young, aspiring legal professionals, adding a touch of enthusiasm to the atmosphere.
Judicial Proceedings Begin:
Justice Bello, addressing the courtroom, extended a warm welcome to the learned senior counsel, members of the bar, the press, and everyone present. Emphasizing the need for cooperation, he set the tone for a successful proceeding. With the case announced by the clerk, the courtroom braced itself for the unfolding drama.
INEC’s Document Tenders and Legal Maneuvers:
INEC’s lawyer, SAN AB Mahmoud, seized the opportunity to present a couple of documents before calling their witness. However, the lead counsel for the Labour Party, SAN Livy Uzoukwu, objected vehemently, handing over the reins to SAN Ikwueto, who skillfully navigated the objections. The courtroom witnessed a tag-team performance that enlivened the atmosphere, as Ikwueto introduced subpoenas to ensure a seamless case with the upcoming witness.
Contentious Objections and Hilarious Exchanges:
The objections raised by the Labour Party lawyers prompted an amusing reaction from the judges and the courtroom erupted in laughter. Justice Tsammani humorously questioned the mental state of Ikwueto, who quickly clarified his intentions. Amidst the banter, INEC managed to tender the documents successfully, except for three, to which the Labour Party objected.
INEC Presents Dr. Lawrence Bayode:
With the document-related hurdles seemingly overcome, INEC proceeded to call their witness, Dr. Lawrence Bayode, a Deputy Director of ICT at INEC. As the witness stepped into the box, some lighthearted commentary arose about his ability to see, given his glasses-cleaning actions.
Questioning the Witness:
INEC’s counsel began by establishing Dr. Bayode’s position and experience within the organization. The witness confirmed his role and disclosed a 24-year tenure at INEC. The counsel proceeded to reference Dr. Bayode’s statement and identified errors that required correction. With the court’s permission, the necessary amendments were made, paving the way for the witness’s testimony.
Tensions Ease as Documents are Admitted:
INEC sought to introduce cloud trail logs and certifications as evidence, leading to some amusing remarks from the judges about entering the cloud. However, objections were minimal, and the courtroom embraced the lightheartedness. The documents were admitted into evidence, much to the surprise of all, including the seemingly cooperative Labour Party.
Olanipekun’s Examination and Ikwueto’s Wit:
Tinubu and Shettima’s lawyer, Olanipekun, skillfully directed the witness’s attention to the foundation and authenticity of INEC elections, emphasizing the importance of physical forms EC8A and EC8B. A witty exchange ensued, as Olanipekun drew parallels with the e-Naira and its technological issues, expertly extracting the desired responses from the witness.
Ikwueto’s Interrogation:
SAN Ikwueto, representing the Labour Party, capitalized on the witness’s statements to challenge the vulnerabilities of e-transmission. Engaging in a lively discussion, Ikwueto humorously navigated through technical terms, leaving the courtroom entertained.
INEC Closes Its Case:
To everyone’s surprise, INEC abruptly announced the closure of its case with only one witness. The courtroom erupted in disbelief and amusement, questioning how INEC intended to defend the election that they claimed was flawless. The judges, seemingly taken aback, sought objections to INEC’s decision, but none were raised. As the day came to an end, Olanipekun expressed his intention to present his case the following day, and the proceedings were adjourned.
The PEPT continues to captivate with its intricate legal maneuvers and unexpected twists. As the courtroom adjourns, all eyes remain on the upcoming presentations from Tinubu and Shettima’s legal team. The case’s outcome hangs in the balance, leaving the fate of the disputed election in the hands of the judiciary.
