Ohanaeze cautions flawed tribunal judgement could result in coup in Niger

The Presidential Election Petition Tribunal’s justices have received a warning from the sociocultural group Ohanaeze not to provide a mistaken decision.
A bad decision, in their opinion, may result in something akin to the military coup in the Niger Republic.

Ohanaeze said that the judges’ judgement of the 2023 general elections, which are tainted by claims of anomalies and violations of electoral regulations, must be impartial.

Okechukwu Isisguzoro, the factional Secretary-General of the organisation, claimed that the noncompliance with the requirement for electronic transmission of election results from polling places to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) central server, known as IREV, further stoked these worries.

According to Isisguzoro, Nigerians are anxiously anticipating the PEPT’s decision and have great hopes for an objective and uncorrupted ruling.

According to him, the judiciary must consider the interpretation of the constitutional requirement that a presidential contender obtain 25% of the votes in 2/3 of the states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja.

According to him, Nigerians have high expectations for an impartial and unequivocal ruling as they eagerly anticipate the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal’s (PEPT) decision.

“The judiciary must also review the interpretation of the constitutional requirement that a presidential contender obtain 25% of the vote in 2/3 of the states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja.

“In light of recent occurrences like the military coup in Nigerien, we underline the effects of a wrong judgement. Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the leading Igbo cultural body, has warned the PEPT judges to avoid any mistakes in their decision. Nigerians are aware of the seriousness of this caution and the possible repercussions of a flawed decision. In order to avoid undermining public faith in the democratic process and causing social and political turmoil, the judiciary must take into account the wider effects of its rulings.

Recent occurrences, like the military takeover in Niger, are a sobering reminder of the vulnerability of democracy and the significance of sustaining the rule of law. Political instability and the degradation of democratic institutions have had terrible effects for Nigeria. In order to maintain the credibility of the election process and safeguard Nigeria’s democracy, the PEPT must keep these lessons in mind and acknowledge the crucial role they play.

The desire for an impartial and unwavering decision is at the heart of Nigerians’ expectations for the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal in 2023.