Скачать или смотреть Controversies Surrounding Nigeria's Presidential Election Petition + Quick Recap

As you're aware, Judgment Day has arrived, with the appeal court recently announcing that the presidential election petition judgment is scheduled for Wednesday, September 6th, 2023. In preparation, we'll briefly recap the primary issues the judges will address on this momentous day. Subsequently, we'll explore some circulating conspiracy theories, arising since the presiding judge adjourned the court for deliberation before delivering judgment. While we delve into these key questions and interpretations, we encourage English-speaking individuals from around the world to provide their insights and interpretations.

The focal point begins with Section 134 of Nigeria's Constitution, elucidating the prerequisites for a candidate to be declared the victor in a presidential election. This section mandates that a presidential candidate must secure the highest number of votes cast and also garner not less than one-quarter of the votes in two-thirds of all states and the federal capital territory, Abuja. The heart of the matter centers on whether this requirement operates conjunctively or disjunctively, a contentious issue addressed in previous discussions.

Another significant aspect pertains to disqualifications, outlined in subsection 1D, where a candidate is barred from the presidential race if under a sentence of death, imprisonment, or fine for offenses involving dishonesty or fraud. The phrasing "by whatever name called" suggests the intention to encompass a wide range of felonies, even those not foreseen when the law was drafted in 1999.

Furthermore, there's a case involving a missed deadline, where according to Nigerian election laws, a presidential candidate must replace a resigning vice presidential candidate within two weeks to avoid triggering a fresh presidential primary. Tinubu failed to meet this requirement, potentially jeopardizing his party's eligibility.

Additionally, allegations of certificate forgery loom, with evidence suggesting disparities between the certificate Tinubu submitted and one issued by Chicago State University in 1979. Awaiting further substantiation, these claims may find their way to the Supreme Court on appeal.

Another constitutional concern involves dual nationality, where individuals who've sworn allegiance to another country are disqualified from holding executive office in Nigeria. Evidence has been presented indicating Tinubu's acquisition of another nationality and alleged dishonesty during the filing of his particulars.

Lastly, discrepancies in the election results have been brought to light, with the Electoral Commission wrongly declaring Tinubu as the winner in two states. This evidence, supported by ballot papers and agent copies, suggests a substantial discrepancy that may have influenced the election outcome.

Amidst these legal matters, there's a prevailing atmosphere of skepticism surrounding the judiciary, stemming from recent judgments that appeared to disregard electoral laws. While conspiracy theories swirl regarding the judgment's authenticity and the timing of its delivery, it is expected to be a landmark decision. Given the substantial evidence and constitutional breaches presented, it would be a significant departure from legal precedent for any judge to rule otherwise. The most severe potential outcome would be the annulment of the election, necessitating a fresh round of voting. If due diligence is exercised, the rightful winner should be declared on September 6th, marking a historic moment in Nigeria's political landscape.