Principal actors absent as Tinubu, Atiku, and Obi stay away
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
All three principal actors – Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi (petitioners) and Bola Tinubu (respondent) – were absent from the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) at 9.27am today when the court began the process of delivering its judgment.
However, the petitioners were represented by the Chairmen of their parties – (Umar Damagun of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Julius Abure of the Labour Party (LP), and Abdullahi Ganduje of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Vice President Kashim Shettima, a member of the APC, was also present.Tinubu in India
Tinubu in India
Tinubu is currently in India to attend the G20 meeting beginning on September 9 and 10. He left Abuja on Monday evening with a large entourage comprising Ministers and representatives of the business community.
Both Atiku and Obi are currently in Nigeria. They opted to stay away from the proceedings probably to prevent their supporters from causing a commotion on the court premises if they win the case, or lose.
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Presidential Election Tribunal beefs up security ahead of judgment
Security was tightened around the court complex before the commencement of proceedings.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports all roads leading to the Court of Appeal complex are being manned by multiple security operatives, drawn from various arms, including the armed forces, police, men of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Civil Defence.
The same formation is placed within the court complex.
Court Chief Registrar Umar Bangari disclosed in a statement on Monday everything had been put in place to ensure the judgment in the three petitions pending before the court are delivered without a hitch.
Bangari said only invited members of political parties and the general public would be allowed into the courtroom, to avoid congestion and security breaches.
He announced media houses would be allowed to televise the proceedings live but at no cost to the court.
Major government buildings, including the Federal Secretariat, the National Assembly Complex and the access into the Presidential Villa are being manned by heavy security personnel.
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