Security forces in Abuja have been significantly reinforced ahead of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal's judgment on the challenges to President Bola Tinubu's election. He is currently serving as the President of Nigeria after securing 8.8 million votes in the February 25 election.
The tribunal, chaired by Justice Haruna Tsammani, is set to announce its decision today, with many eagerly anticipating the outcome, including supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party's Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party's Peter Obi.
A considerable deployment of armed riot police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps personnel, and plainclothes security operatives have been stationed in key locations across the Federal Capital Territory. Their presence aims to prevent any potential breach of law and order after the verdict.
The Chief Registrar of the Court of Appeal, Umar Bangari, announced that the tribunal's decision will be broadcast live on television, emphasizing transparency and openness.
Concerns about possible protests or violence following the verdict prompted these security measures. The police have cautioned against actions or statements that could incite violence, stressing the need for peace and calm in the aftermath of the judgment.
Supporters of the candidates involved in the petition, particularly Peter Obi, express hope for a favorable outcome, while emphasizing the significant cost of a rerun election