APC Counsels Oppose the request of both the candidates of the Labour Party and the Peoples Democratic Party’s requests to have live coverage of the petitions. The lawyers for the Presidential candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, and Lawyers of the APC President-Elect, Bola Tinubu, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) are back in court for the continuation of the hearing. Today, the court resumes hearing on the petition of Atiku Abubakar challenging the victory of Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the presidential election.
The Proceedings from Today’s Hearing
The court is built to hear the application by Atiku requesting live airing of the proceedings of the court. The Justices arrived and settled in today’s business. In his argument, counsel to Atiku and the PDP, Chris Uche, prayed for an order of the court allowing the televising of proceedings to give the case importance and seriousness.
The Counsel to INEC, Abubakar Mahmood, opposed the prayer. He said bringing cameras into the courtroom will defeat the solemn atmosphere of the court. He submitted the request for live coverage is unnecessary and uncalled for and should not be granted.
Also, the Counsel to Bola Tinubu, in his argument, Wole Olanipekun, found Atiku’s request not only surprising but dangerous and capable of prejudicing the court. He further told the court that it should not allow Atiku should to turn the court into a football stadium that permits all manners of telecasting. Olanipekun further warns that if the court grants the request, it could expose the judicial officers to avoidable dangers. He also demanded that heavy cost is imposed on Atiku for making the request.
APC Counsel Lateef Fagbemi is of the same view as the counsels to Tinubu and INEC. He faulted the request adding that the facility and policy documents are not there for the application to be granted.
Lastly, Justice Haruna Amani reserved the ruling after listening to all the parties.
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