In a recent development, a five-man panel led by Justice Haruna Tsammani has clarified the role of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the transmission of election results. The panel, citing Sections 52 and 65 of the Electoral Act 2022, affirmed that INEC has the authority to determine the method for transmitting election results during the electoral process. This ruling underscores INEC's discretion in prescribing the manner in which election results are transmitted, reinforcing its regulatory independence in electoral matters.
The Tribunal's decision also had significant implications for the Labour Party (LP) and its presidential candidate, Peter Obi. The LP had filed a petition seeking the annulment of President Bola Tinubu's victory in the All Progressives Congress (APC) based on alleged issues with INEC's Results Viewing Portal (IReV). However, the Tribunal dismissed these claims, upholding President Tinubu's election win.
Furthermore, the Tribunal rejected the LP's argument regarding the allocation of 25 per cent of votes to Tinubu in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), asserting that Abuja should be treated like other states in this regard. Additionally, the Tribunal ruled against the petitioners' attempt to prove that Tinubu had a money laundering conviction in the United States, finding no substantial evidence of such claims.
In summary, the Tribunal's decision clarifies INEC's authority in the electoral process and reaffirms President Tinubu's election victory, while rejecting allegations of misconduct and convictions against him