The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called for the immediate relocation of the Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal in Ogun and Nasarawa to Abuja to ensure the safety of individuals involved and guarantee a fair dispensation of justice.
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that during a press conference in Abuja yesterday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Debo Ologunagba, conveyed the party’s demand.
Ologunagba strongly criticised the recent attacks on PDP members at the premises of the election petitions tribunals in Ogun, Nasarawa, and Kaduna states.
According to the PDP spokesperson, there is an ongoing plot to perpetuate these attacks to instill obstructing the judiciary and obstructing the pursuit of justice.
“This situation underscores the necessity for the live coverage of tribunal proceedings, enabling party members to observe the proceedings from the safety of their homes,” Ologunagba emphasised.
Additionally, Ologunagba highlighted that the PDP remains vigilant concerning the ongoing process of the 2023 presidential election, which is currently under review by the Presidential Election Petitions Court and other election petitions tribunals nationwide.
Accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of attempting to obstruct justice in various election petition tribunals, the party’s spokesperson stated, “INEC’s objections to the presentation of evidence in court are deliberate attempts to frustrate the judicial process and undermine the pursuit of justice.” Ologunagba further noted that any document certified by INEC should be admissible in court.
Shifting focus to the upcoming inauguration of the 10th National Assembly scheduled for June 13, Ologunagba announced that the PDP would fully utilise its numerical strength to elect the assembly’s leaders. Stressing that opposition parties hold the majority, he declared their intention to unite and select the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate from their ranks.
He said: “It is instructive to note that the opposition parties, put together, will form a strong majority in the National Assembly, and we are very mindful of that.
“The PDP leadership is working together with our members-elect and other opposition parties in the two chambers.
“Irrespective of the ongoing claims in the media, I want to inform you that the PDP has a clear direction which we hold close to our chest.
“Our members are united in that direction and it will show on the floor of both chambers of the National Assembly next Tuesday.
“In all, we do not discountenance the fact that the opposition parties have the majority in the National Assembly which we are ready to deploy maximally.”
