Presidential election tribunal: Electoral Hub seeks open judicial process, justice for Nigerians

A think-tank group, Electoral Hub has advocated an open process and justice for Nigerians in the on-going 2023 presidential election petition tribunal.

The group, in a statement by its Director, Princess Hamman-Obels, on Wednesday, urged the judicial panel to adhere to the ethics of the Bench and legal profession, by acting in compliance with guiding principles of the Bench, display neutrality and uphold principles of the rule of law.

The statement partly reads, Successive elections in Nigeria have been widely characterised by contestations and the effort towards their amicable resolution through the judiciary. Events in the aftermath of the 2023 general election, held February 25 and March 18, 2023 across the country allude to this. The election, albeit lauded for attempts towards improving transparency, produced results that sparked contestations and grievances amongst contestants, citizens, civil society actors and other critical stakeholders in the country.

“In response, four of the eighteen political parties (and their candidates) that partook in the 2023 general presidential elections turned to the judiciary for resolution of disputes. The National Judicial Council (NJC) under the leadership of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Olukayode Ariwoola had constituted a total of 257 Judges to hear petitions arising from the 2023 general election.

“As the tribunal proceedings continue, we urge the Judges to uphold values of neutrality and fairness. We also demand that the Election Tribunal process be made public to ensure transparency and openness as this would enhance fairness and credibility. We also urge the media, and other civil society actors to disseminate the right information by deploying fact-checking tools to prevent misinforming the public. Ultimately, the Election Petition Tribunal is not only important for its role in determining the final outcome of the 2023 general elections, but could also revive public trust in the Nigerian democracy.”

The group urged political parties and candidates to avoid inciteful comments that could heat up the polity, ignite violence and threaten lives and properties.

The think-tank group also advised civil society organisations to engage judicial, political, and electoral stakeholders to ensure compliance with relevant legal frameworks.