The Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal has indicated that it will consider the request of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP) for a live broadcast of its proceedings. The tribunal, headed by Justice Haruna Tsammani, asked the parties involved in the ongoing petitions to settle their objections, including the motion filed by the PDP and its candidate, Atiku Abubakar, seeking a live broadcast of the proceedings.
During the pre-hearing session, Justice Tsammani assured that the application for live broadcast would be considered along with other issues. The PDP and Atiku argued that televising the court sitting would enhance transparency and public confidence in the judicial process, as the case involved a dispute over the outcome of the presidential election held on February 25.
The PDP and Atiku’s application specifically requested an order directing the court’s registry and the parties on the modalities for admitting media practitioners and their equipment into the courtroom. They emphasized that the matter was of national concern and public interest, and the public had a constitutional right to watch the proceedings.
Chris Uche, SAN, counsel for Atiku and the PDP, stressed the urgency of the application and requested immediate attention due to the national importance of the issue. However, Justice Tsammani insisted on following the agreed three names for the petitioners’ legal team, despite Uche’s request to announce five names.
The counsel for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) acknowledged the application for live broadcast and requested time to respond. The lawyer for the president-elect, Bola Tinubu, and the counsel for the All Progressives Congress (APC) also indicated that they would respond to the prayers for live media coverage at the appropriate time.
After adopting their various responses, Justice Tsammani ordered the legal teams to harmonize their positions regarding documents to be tendered, objections, and allowances. The pre-hearing of the petition against Tinubu was adjourned till Thursday.
The Allied Peoples Movement also held a pre-hearing session for their petition, where they adopted their filed answers. They also supported the PDP’s demand for live media coverage, emphasizing the national concern and public interest in the case.
The PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, stated that the live broadcast request was in the interest of openness and participatory democracy. He expressed confidence in the party’s petition, stating that their facts and evidence were strong and incontrovertible.
The LP’s Chief Spokesman for the Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign Council, Yunusa Tanko, endorsed the PDP’s application for live transmission, emphasizing the interest Nigerians have in the case. Tanko called for the proceedings to be aired publicly to ensure transparency and uphold the rule of law.
Overall, the tribunal has indicated its willingness to consider the request for live broadcast, recognizing the importance of transparency and public confidence in the judicial process. The parties involved are preparing their responses, and the tribunal will continue its pre-hearing sessions before making further decisions.
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