The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has
asked the presidential election petition court (PEPC) to dismiss an application
filed by the Labour Party (LP) and its presidential candidate, Peter Obi,
seeking to have the proceeding televised.
Speaking with journalists after the tribunal pre-hearing
session on Wednesday, Levy Ozoukwu, counsel to Obi and LP, said INEC opposed
their application for a live broadcast.
“Surprisingly, INEC is objecting,” the senior lawyer said.
“A public institution that is being funded by the government and representing the people is saying they don’t want the people to enjoy live streaming. What are they hiding?
“INEC sees itself as
a candidate in an election that it conducted. I say with every degree of
emphasis going by the conduct of INEC.
“In court, no other party is complaining about not getting
documents. Why is it so?”
“Only the petitioners who have not been provided with the
required documents and I keep on asking, what is INEC hiding?”
Obi and the LP filed a petition challenging the victory of
Bola Tinubu, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in the election.
In the petition marked CA/PEPC/03/2023, LP and Obi, said
Tinubu “was not duly elected by the majority of the lawful votes cast at the
time of the election”.
Amongst other allegations, they claimed that Kashim
Shettima, vice-president-elect, had a double nomination in contravention of the
electoral act.
The petitioners are asking the tribunal to declare Obi as
the winner of the presidential poll or alternatively, order INEC to conduct a
fresh election.
The tribunal has adjourned the matter to May 19 for
continuation.
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