APA – Lagos (Nigeria) A Nigerian tribunal has rejected a petition by presidential contender Peter Obi of the opposition Labour Party requesting last February’s presidential election result be declared null and void.
Judges of the tribunal said there are far from enough reasons to prevent President Bola Tinubu from claiming victory in last February’s election which the opposition claimed was tainted by fraud.
Earlier there was heavy security deployment in and around the tribunal on Wednesday as the tribunal decided on petition by opposition candidate Peter Obi challenging Tinubu’s election, citing widespread fraud.
The petitioners, the respondents and their legal representatives were in court and President Tinubu, who is away in India for the G-20 Summit was represented by the Vice President.
The sitting of the Tribunal was aired live on televisions and radio stations across the country to reduce the number of persons who will be allowed in court for the judgment.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian police has warned mischief makers and political gladiators against misinformation and unguarded utterances on the Presidential Election Tribunal judgment on Wednesday.
The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi had in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja urged the public to be cautious in their actions and statements, adding that the Police would not condone activities capable of inciting violence or causing a descent into anarchy.
According to him, it is imperative for all citizens to be peaceful and calm regardless of their political affiliations, to ensure a peaceful and secure environment.
He said the police had fortified security nationwide to forestall breakdown of law and order after the tribunal judgment.
Adejobi reiterated the commitment of the force to ensure safety of lives and property before, during, and after the judgment.
According to him, diligent security measures have been taken to maintain order and enforce laws while respecting the rights and freedoms of citizens.
Updated 4:30 PM
GIK/APA