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Mr President, what do you say?

Atiku Vs Buhari: Legal fireworks as tribunal set to begin


https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/04/atiku-vs-buhari-legal-fireworks-as-tribunal-set-to-begin/
( Source: Vanguard Newspapers)

Commentary


Tit for tat, an eye for an eye
So grind the old wheels of criminal justice
If Sec 138(1)a of the Electoral Act gives a cause
That parties can allege non-qualification of their opponents
"Why not utilize this?", so I think Atiku and Buhari have reasoned
But then the bizarre comes with the legal arguments
"You are not holding a high school certificate" fires the PDP *
"You are an alien" replies the APC**
Be that as it may, the devil might really be in the details of Sec. 138(1)b & c:
That the election was invalid and the lawful votes not properly allocated
Going by precedents, the petitioners must be prepared to climb Mount Everest
Non-compliance? Substantial non-compliance? = Proof from ward to ward
And the hefty admissibility concerns that come with witness testimony
Our electoral law needs reforms
Otherwise, elections petitions might continue to be expensive and non-provable.



© 2019. Felix O. Omosele

* Peoples Democratic Party( Nigeria's main opposition party)
** All Progressive Congress( Nigeria's ruling party)

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