The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the All Progressives Congress (APC) have kicked against the request of former Vice President Abubakar Atiku for live telecast of his petition challenging the declaration of Tinubu as winner of the 2023 presidential election.
In their separate objections at the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC), yesterday, the trio insisted granting the request would jeopardise the solemnity of the court.
Tinubu, in vehement objections raised on his behalf by Chief Wole Olanipekun SAN, said Atiku’s request was not only surprising but also dangerous, as it could prejudice the court.
Olanipekun said Atiku should not be allowed to turn the court to a football stadium or crusade, theatre or film grounds where all manner of telecasts are permitted.
He said the court should not grant an order that cannot be enforced or supervised. He warned that the request, if granted, could expose judicial officers to avoidable dangers, and demanded that heavy cost be imposed on Atiku for making the request.
Lateef Fagbemi SAN, who opposed on behalf of APC, said facilities and policy documents were not available for the application to be granted.
He said Atiku failed to disclose injuries he would suffer if the request was not granted.
The electoral body, in objection by its counsel, Abubakar Balarabe Mahmoud SAN, said the court is for serious business and not a marketplace where anything goes. He maintained that the request is unnecessary and uncalled for and should not be granted.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Court, Justice Haruna Simon Tsammani, reserved ruling on whether to grant the request or not.
Atiku had approached the court hearing his case against the outcome of the February 25 presidential polls for an order allowing live broadcast of proceedings because of its monumental importance.
Atiku and the PDP, in the application, specifically, prayed the tribunal for ‘an order directing the court’s registry and parties on modalities for admission of media practitioners and equipment into the courtroom’.
