The Presidential Election Petition Court, sitting in Abuja, has announced its intention to consolidate the three separate petitions seeking to invalidate the results of the 2023 presidential election.
Vanguard reported that, during the proceedings on Saturday, the court stated that it had the authority, under Paragraph 50 of the First Schedule to the Electoral Act, to merge all the petitions and address them collectively.
Chief Chris Uche, SAN, the lead counsel for the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, requested time to consult with his client.
“Your honors, we have indeed considered the matter, but it may necessitate consultation with the other petitioners. Therefore, we kindly request a stand down or an adjournment so that we can discuss the details, as this is akin to a marriage involving two consenting adults,” added Uche, SAN.
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, expressed support for the proposed consolidation of the petitions.
“Your honors, in my personal opinion, the provision is mandatory. It clearly states that if two or more petitions are filed to challenge the same election or outcome, they must be consolidated, unless the court directs otherwise. We are pleased with the legal provision, and we respect any decision your lordships may make regarding this matter,” stated INEC’s lead counsel, Mr. Abubakar Mahmood, SAN.
However, Mr. Roland Otaru, SAN, who appeared on behalf of the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, and the Vice President-elect, Senator Kashim Shettima, requested time to consult.
“Your honors, I would like to consult with Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, who is the lead counsel in this case,” he pleaded.
The five-member panel led by Justice Haruna Tsammani subsequently adjourned the proceedings until Monday, allowing the parties to report the outcomes of their consultations on the matter of consolidating all the petitions.
