Election Tribunal: Obi's Lawyer Vows to Expose INEC

Livy Uzoukwu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and the lead counsel for the Labour Party (LP)

presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has made a bold declaration to expose the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for allegedly withholding crucial documents. Uzoukwu believes that the electoral umpire may be attempting to manipulate these documents before releasing them.

 

During an interview with journalists at the tribunal pre-hearing in Abuja, Uzoukwu expressed his determination to focus on presenting the most vital witnesses during the three weeks given to his legal team to present their case. He emphasized that his team had sent five letters to INEC, clearly indicating their readiness to pay and collect the necessary documents. These letters were duly received and endorsed by INEC. Uzoukwu expressed frustration over INEC's false claims that they couldn't accept payment, deeming it unfortunate.

 

Uzoukwu highlighted that his party would serve INEC with a subpoena as soon as the hearing resumed on May 30, which interestingly was a day after the presidential inauguration. This subpoena aimed to compel INEC to produce the withheld documents. He firmly stated that his team would make efficient use of the three-week period by focusing on presenting the most essential witnesses who could substantiate their case.

 

Regarding the consolidation of petitions, Uzoukwu clarified that all three petitions would be heard together. However, each petition would maintain its own identity throughout the proceedings.

 

The stage was set for an intense legal battle as Livy Uzoukwu, representing Peter Obi and the Labour Party, vowed to expose alleged misconduct by INEC. With his determination to uncover the truth and present compelling witnesses, the forthcoming weeks promised to be critical in the pursuit of justice and a fair electoral process.