Tinubu bars legal team from speaking to press after court bans live broadcast
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Bola Tinubu has barred his legal team from speaking to the media throughout his defence at the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) in Abuja, to protect the President-elect from the onslaught of Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi who seek nullification of his victory at the ballot box.
Atiku of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Obi of the Labour Party (LP) both contend at the PEPC that Tinubu did not win the ballot on February 25 as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Atiku and Obi each wants the court to declare him the winner of the presidential election.
Tinubu directed that any member of the team who flouts the media ban, no matter his rank or how highly placed, should be kicked out of the defence, according to Adeniyi Akintola, SAN who conveyed the decision to the team.
The PEPC has agreed with the arguments of Tinubu and the INEC that the court proceedings should not be broadcast live.
Akintola, who did not provide any reason for the press ban on the defence, disclosed Tinubu said he himself will abstain from speaking to the media while the court case lasts.
Akintola warned the ban on media interview by the legal team will be strictly observed and enforced.
Tribunal Chairman Haruna Tsammani did not react to the decision when it was presented in open court, according to reporting by Daily Post.
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Atiku says Tinubu’s May 29 inauguration won’t stop his sack
Atiku has insisted that the inauguration of Tinubu on May 29 will not stop his sack by the PEPC if the court agrees with his submission the INEC rigged the election for Tinubu.
Atiku conveyed the position through his lead counsel Chris Uche, SAN who expressed confidence his client will reclaim his mandate at the PEPC.
Uche made the point on Tuesday after the PEPC consolidated Atiku’s petition with those of Obi and the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), the third petitioner challenging Tinubu’s victory.
According to Uche, the court has the power to fire Tinubu from Aso Rock even after he has been sworn in.
“I have been asked about May 29. I want to assure people that swearing in is only a ceremony that does not in any way tie the hands of the court. The taking of the oath binds the person who takes the oath and not the court,” he said.
“The court has given you its timelines for parties to present their case. We are happy that with the development, the petitions will be expeditiously determined.”
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