The 2023 presidential election petitions court, pre-hearing commenced today with a charge by the presiding Justice, Haruna Tsammani to the petitioners and defence team to respect court proceedings.
The Senior lawyers representing the three main presidential candidates concerned are; Wole Olanikpekun for the president-elect, Bola Tinubu of the All Progressive Congress, APC; Chris Uche, standing in for Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP; and Livy Uzoukwu representing Peter Obi of Labour Party.
Wole Olanikpekun representing President-elect, Bola Tinubu, is the former Attorney General for Justice in Ondo state.
He was also the vice-president of PAN African Lawyers Union, PALU, as well as pro-chancellor of the University of Ibadan (UI).
Chris Uche representing Atiku Abubakar, is a legal practitioner with over 30 years of experience. Since 2001, he has remained a member of the National Executive Committee (NEC).
Livy Uzoukwu representing Peter Obi, attained the rank of SAN 1999. He is also the former attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in IMO State.
On 22 December 2008, the president of Nigeria, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, conferred him with the National Honor officer of the Order of Nigeria (OON).
The court has adjourned further pre-hearing session on the petition of the Labour Party and its candidate, Peter Obi filed to nullify Tinubu’s election victory, till Wednesday 10th May.
The Court equally fixed the same date for another petition by the Action Peoples Party, APP.
While it adjourned the case of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and its candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, till Tuesday 9 May.
While adjourning the cases, the court urged the parties to identify all the witness statements and documents they would rely on or object to during the actual hearing of the petitions.
