The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) failed to open its defence against the petition filed by Labour Party (LP) candidate, Peter Obi, challenging the outcome of the February 25 presidential election at the Presidential Election Petition Court.
During the hearing on Monday, INEC’s counsel informed the court that the Commission’s first witness could not attend due to family issues and requested an adjournment until the following day.
As a result, the Tribunal adjourned the petition to Tuesday for further hearing.
LP lawyer, Levi Uzoukwu, claimed that INEC was unprepared to defend its case before the tribunal and criticized the Commission for its lack of preparedness.
Obi had closed his case after calling 13 witnesses to prove his allegation that the election was rigged. He had proposed to call 50 witnesses but could only call 13 within the allotted time.
INEC had declared the incumbent president, Tinubu, as the winner of the election. Obi and the LP filed a petition at the court to challenge Tinubu’s victory, citing issues of eligibility and alleged corrupt practices.
The case will continue on Tuesday, and the LP remains ready to proceed with witnesses whenever INEC is prepared to present its defence.
