Tinubu Warns of Potential Law and Order Breakdown as Election Tribunal Proceedings Conclude his Removal over 25% Vote in Abuja

In a final written address to the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC), President Bola Tinubu cautioned the tribunal members about the consequences of removing him from the presidency, suggesting that it could lead to a breakdown of law and order in Nigeria. Tinubu's lawyers, led by Wole Olanipekun, presented their defense statement, acknowledging the president's failure to secure 25 percent of the votes cast in Nigeria's capital, Abuja. However, they argued that this alone should not be enough to overturn his victory, as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The legal team emphasized the potential ramifications of interpreting the relevant section of the Nigerian Constitution differently, suggesting that it would result in "absurdity, chaos, anarchy, and alteration of the very intention of the legislature." According to the Constitution, a presidential candidate must secure 25 percent of the votes in two-thirds of Nigeria's 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

Tinubu's lawyers addressed the specific issue of his failure to achieve the required percentage in Abuja. They contended that even if Abuja was considered an independent entity, Tinubu's 18.99 percent of the votes fell short of the threshold by only 6.01 percent. Furthermore, they argued that courts have traditionally exercised caution in interpreting the Constitution in a manner that could potentially ignite social unrest.

The legal team further stated that even if Tinubu had failed to secure votes in Abuja and one other state, he would still have emerged as the winner. This, however, was not the argument presented by the petitioners, namely Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party and Peter Obi of the Labour Party.

The lawyers concluded their defense by urging the court to adopt a purposeful approach to the interpretation of the Constitution, based on previous court decisions. They emphasized that elections should reflect the will of the electorate, and that residents of Abuja should not be granted any special voting rights over residents of other states.

As the proceedings concluded, public commentary surrounding the interpretation of the relevant constitutional clause has intensified. President Tinubu's team has sought to sway the court in their favor by highlighting the potential consequences of an adverse decision and emphasizing the importance of upholding the intention of the legislature.

The verdict of the Presidential Election Petition Court is now awaited, which will determine whether President Tinubu's victory will be upheld or overturned. The Nigerian public eagerly anticipates the court's decision, recognizing the significant implications it holds for the nation's political landscape and the potential impact on law and order.