Election tribunal adjourns PDP’s hearing to May 18th

The Presidential Election Petition Tribunal has recently adjourned the hearing of the People's Democratic Party's petition against the President-elect's victory in the presidential polls to Thursday, the 18th of May. The court is yet to rule on the motion calling for live broadcasts of the proceedings. Tolu Oderinde, a Partner at Glacier's Chambers, shared insights on the developments from the proceedings. The discussion shed light on the intricacies and timelines of the legal process in Nigeria regarding election petitions. Oderinde emphasized the need for a meticulous approach in handling the case, considering its significance to the democratic process of the country. Here are the key points from the interview. The legal timeline for election petitions in Nigeria is governed by specific deadlines. For instance, parties have 21 days to file a petition after the declaration of election results, followed by another 21 days for responses. Pre-hearing processes further extend the timeline, totaling about 50 days. Despite the 180-day deadline for the tribunal to conclude proceedings, Oderinde highlighted the importance of following due process and not rushing the case. He suggested a review of the election timetable to ensure that petitions are resolved before inauguration to prevent disruptions to governance. The issue of live broadcasts of court proceedings was also discussed. Oderinde expressed that while the judiciary operates in a public space and provides public access to court proceedings, broadcasting could help instill public confidence and address criticisms about transparency. However, he noted that the current system already ensures access to court records and proceedings upon request. In conclusion, Oderinde underscored the need for a comprehensive approach to address the challenges in the electoral petition process. While advocating for a transparent and fair legal system, he cautioned against hasty decisions that could impact the democratic process. The ongoing tribunal proceedings will continue to shape the political landscape in Nigeria, reflecting the country's commitment to upholding the rule of law in electoral disputes.