In a shocking flip of occasions, the Coalition for Safety of Democracy (COPDEM), a pro-democracy group, has strongly criticized the decision of the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal (PEPT) relating to the petition filed by Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Social gathering (LP). The petition challenged the declaration of Bola Tinubu, from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), because the winner of the 2023 presidential election.
COPDEM, by way of its spokesperson, Garba Danjuma, expressed deep concern over what they understand as a miscarriage of justice. They notably questioned the PEPT’s assertion that the Unbiased Nationwide Electoral Fee (INEC) isn’t obligated to transmit election outcomes electronically. COPDEM strongly believes that this side of the decision needs to be challenged on the Supreme Court docket.
“The place of PEPT that INEC is beneath no obligation to transmit outcomes electronically indicators a return to the period of collation fraud and untrammeled impunity!” COPDEM acknowledged emphatically.
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Whereas acknowledging that it could have been cheap to argue that the Petitioners didn’t show that the failure to transmit outcomes electronically considerably affected the election consequence, COPDEM emphasised that the judgment’s implication on digital switch of outcomes undermines the progress made in combating electoral fraud as outlined within the 2022 Electoral Act.
“The judgment capriciously discards all of the improvements and safeguards in opposition to electoral fraud contained within the 2022 Electoral Act, consigning them to the dustbin of historical past,” the group careworn.
COPDEM additionally expressed shock and disappointment that the PEPT disregarded the damning report from the European Union (EU) highlighting widespread irregularities through the presidential election. Regardless of the EU’s findings, the tribunal proceeded with its verdict, leaving COPDEM perplexed and questioning the integrity of the method.
In response to the decision, COPDEM introduced that its authorized staff would meticulously examine the judgment and put together a sturdy submission that can not be ignored within the courtroom of regulation. The group stays decided to problem what they understand as a grave injustice and battle for the safety of democracy.
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With the decision of the PEPT elevating severe considerations concerning the integrity of the electoral course of, it’s now as much as the Supreme Court docket to fastidiously contemplate the arguments introduced by COPDEM and make a remaining choice that upholds the ideas of justice and transparency.
Because the nation eagerly awaits the result of this authorized battle, it’s essential to mirror on the implications of the PEPT’s verdict. The choice not solely impacts the credibility of the 2023 presidential election but additionally has far-reaching penalties for the way forward for democracy in Nigeria.
In a time when the world is carefully watching Nigeria’s democratic progress, it’s important for the judiciary to show its dedication to upholding the rule of regulation and guaranteeing that the need of the individuals is revered. The Supreme Court docket’s choice will undoubtedly form the nation’s political panorama and set a precedent for future electoral disputes.
COPDEM’s unwavering willpower to problem the decision and defend the ideas of democracy serves as a reminder that the battle for justice and equity is an ongoing battle. It’s a testomony to the resilience of the Nigerian individuals who refuse to simply accept something lower than a clear and accountable electoral course of.
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In conclusion, the decision of the PEPT has sparked outrage and concern amongst pro-democracy advocates like COPDEM. Their problem to the judgment highlights the necessity for an intensive examination of the electoral course of and a dedication to deal with any flaws that will undermine the integrity of future elections. Because the authorized battle continues, all eyes are actually on the Supreme Court docket to make sure that justice prevails and the voice of the Nigerian individuals is heard.