…says petitioners’ prayers disappointingly vague, lack substantive evidence
MARGARET CHIDERA
A Rights activist and Converner of Concerned Nigerians, Comrade Deji Adeyanju, has described the judgment of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal as a true reflection of the legal process.
This is as he said that the many prayers by the petitioners were disappointingly vague and lacked substantive evidence.
Speaking with Daily Times, Adeyanju said that while it was very crucial for petitioners to diligently pursue their cases based on the law and available evidence to ensure a fair and just outcome, he couldn’t have faulted the Tribunal judges for throwing away one of Obi’s prayers to disqualify Tinubu on the premise that he couldn’t specify the particular polling units where elections where allegedly rigged.
“The judgment of the Presidential Election Tribunal affirming Bola Ahmed Tinubu as President is a reflection of the legal process, but it’s important to note that many of the prayers by the petitioners were disappointingly vague and lacked substantive evidence.
“In any democratic society, it’s crucial for petitioners to diligently pursue their cases based on the law and available evidence to ensure a fair and just outcome. I can not also fault the Tribunal judges for throwing away one of Obi’s prayers to disqualify Tinubu on the premise that he couldn’t specify the particular polling units where elections where allegedly rigged.
“In law, extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence, and he who asserts must prove, and unfortunately, Obi failed to provide sufficient evidence to back his claims.
“Regarding the 25% in Abuja by Peter Obi, it did seem unnecessary and baseless, as voters in the FCT should not be granted special privileges beyond those in other states of the federation. Equality in the electoral process is fundamental.”
Meanwhile, he said that it was also worth questioning the “decision regarding the APM petition seeking Shettima’s disqualification based on double nomination. It appeared that APM had a solid case, and it was disappointing that the judiciary did not see it that way.
“In the broader context, a united opposition could have potentially posed a stronger challenge to the APC, but they were divided, and I hope that they have learnt their lessons.” He said
Furthermore, he stressed the urgent need for comprehensive reforms of the judiciary, noting that adequate remuneration for judges was vital to preventing compromises in the pursuit of justice.
“When judges are financially secure, they are less likely to be swayed by external influences.” Adeyanju said.
