Apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has warned the Judges handling the February 25, 2023 presidential election petition Tribunal to be independent by upholding unbiased and compromised verdict.
Ohanaeze said this year’s General Elections in Nigeria were marred by allegations of irregularities and non-compliance with electoral laws, which has raised concerns in different quarters.
A statement signed on Friday by Ohanaeze’s Secretary-general, Mazi Okechukwu lsiguzoro, stated that non of adherence to the electronic transfer of election results from polling units to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s central server known as IREV, has further fueled concerns.
“The lack of adherence to the electronic transfer of election results from polling units to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) central server, known as IREV, further fueled these concerns.
“As Nigerians eagerly await the verdict of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT), their expectations are high for an unbiased and compromised judgment.
“Additionally, the interpretation of the constitutional requirement for a presidential candidate to win 25% of 2/3 of the states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja is a crucial issue that the judiciary must address. ”
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According to the statement, “Ohanaeze Ndigbo explores the expectations of Nigerians from the PEPT and emphasizes the consequences of an erroneous judgment in light of recent events such as the Nigerien military coup.
It stated that Nigerians expect the PEPT to demonstrate impartiality and fairness in its proceedings and judgement, following allegations of irregularities and non-compliance with electoral laws, which Ohanaeze said is crucial for the tribunal to thoroughly investigate and objectively assess the evidence before it.
The apex body emphasized the need for the judges to be independent of any external influence by ensuring that justice prevails, saying that the recent military coup in Niger has served as a reminder of the fragility of democracy and the importance of upholding the rule of law Nigerians expected.
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