Presidential Candidate Appeals
Strong indications suggest that the planned nationwide indefinite strike by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) may have implications for the appeals of presidential candidates Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi.
Both candidates, representing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP), respectively, had filed 86 grounds of appeal at the Supreme Court, seeking to nullify the judgment of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal.
Supreme Court Panel Looms
A top source within the Supreme Court has revealed that a panel might be constituted for the appeals of Atiku and Peter Obi as early as next week.
However, there are concerns that the impending nationwide strike could disrupt this process.
Labour’s Strike Plan
The organised labour, consisting of the NLC and TUC, has resolved to commence a nationwide strike on Tuesday, October 3, further raising questions about the potential impact on the Supreme Court’s proceedings.
Optimism Amid Uncertainty
Despite the looming strike, both Atiku and Peter Obi’s camps have expressed optimism that the appeal process will proceed as planned.
A member of Atiku’s legal team, Mike Ozekhome, SAN, believes that the time sensitivity of election petitions means that the strike is unlikely to halt the Supreme Court’s activities.
Time-Bound Nature of the Case
Ozekhome emphasized that election petitions are time-sensitive and bound by specific deadlines.
He suggested that the Supreme Court would not be compelled to comply with the strike because of these time constraints.
Hope for Swift Resolution
The National Legal Adviser of the Labour Party, Kehinde Edun, shared this optimism, hoping that the Federal Government would resolve the strike issue promptly.
Edun also acknowledged that the Supreme Court is currently understaffed, which could potentially complicate matters.
Continued Commitment to Proceedings
Despite the challenges posed by the strike and understaffing at the Supreme Court, there remains a shared determination to see the appeals of Atiku and Peter Obi through.
Regardless of the strike’s outcome, there is a commitment to ensuring that the appeals receive the attention they require.
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