The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and All Progressives Congress (APC) are at odds over whether the media should broadcast live proceedings of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal, which is expected to rule today.
The PDP and LP argue that live-streaming court sessions would remove doubts about the judiciary’s transparency and ensure fairness.
The APC, on the other hand, opposes this stance, claiming that it would not improve justice.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, who finished second in the February 25 election, have requested that the tribunal’s sessions be broadcast live in order to keep Nigerians informed of the proceedings.
In their application, Atiku and the PDP, represented by Chris Uche, specifically requested that the court establish rules for media practitioners and their equipment in the courtroom.
The LP and its candidate, Peter Obi, have filed a similar application, claiming that Nigerians deserve real-time information about the election petition proceedings as stakeholders.
This application is strongly opposed by the Independent National Electoral Commission, the president-elect, and the APC.
They contend that it relates to court policy formulation, which is outside the scope of the tribunal’s jurisdiction.
Lateef Fagbemi, counsel for the APC, advised the court against turning the proceedings into “a Big Brother electoral series.”
Wole Olanipekun, the president-elect’s lawyer, warned that if approved, live broadcasting could endanger judges and lawyers.
Ahead of the ruling, Obi insists on live broadcasting, stating;
We are in the modern age where transparency is required. An election is being disputed by four political parties. To be fair and for equity, it is very much expected that processes are steamed live for people to follow.
Yunusa Tanko, spokesperson for the Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign Council, and Debo Ologunagba, National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, have both requested a live broadcast.
They contend that the public has a right to observe the proceedings and that transparency is consistent with democratic principles.
Festus Keyamo, the Chief Spokesman for the disbanded Tinubu-Shettima Presidential Campaign Council, maintains that the issue should be resolved in court rather than by popular vote.
He urged patience while the court deliberated.