INEC Fails to Present Witness, Obi’s Lawyer Questions Its Readiness

Ilesanmi AdekanbiJuly 3, 2023

1 minute read

The Labour Party (LP) and its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, have expressed confidence in their petition challenging the outcome of the February 25th presidential election at the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPC).

Their lead counsel, Dr Levi Uzoukwu (SAN), said on Monday that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which conducted the election, has shown lack of preparation and consistency in defending its case.

Uzoukwu spoke to journalists after the tribunal adjourned its sitting due to the absence of INEC’s first defence witness, who was expected to testify on behalf of the electoral body.

He said that his team has a strong case and is ready to proceed with their arguments, unlike INEC that has been contradicting itself and delaying the proceedings.

“Given the contradictions and inconsistencies and what INEC has done; I’m sure they are not ready to defend this case. I stand to be proven wrong, but I would wish that they defend this matter so that the public will see more things of what happened to this election,” he said.

He added that the February 25th presidential election was unprecedented in Nigeria’s history in terms of irregularities and malpractices, and that it is up to INEC to decide whether to call a witness or witnesses to counter the allegations.

He assured that he and his clients, the LP and Obi, are prepared at all times to present their case and prove their claims before the tribunal.