Election Tribunal: INEC, APC Kick Against LP's Request To Probe IT Experts

Thursday's proceedings at the President Election Petition Court in Abuja were not without the expected singular moments.

For most, what stood out was the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) opposing the Labour Party's request to probe information and technology experts used by the electoral body during the 2023 presidential election.

LP presidential candidate Peter Obi and the party, in two separate motions argued by their counsel, Patrick Ikweto (SAN), presented 12 questions for INEC on the integrity of the election.

According to them, the interrogation would aid them in backing up their claim that the electoral process was flawed.

Responding, INEC's counsel, Kemi Pinhero (SAN) objected to the move, saying that the application was brought outside the time specified and allowed by law.

Pinhero argued that moving the application outside the pre-hearing session had robbed the court of jurisdiction to hear it.

Also, the counsel for Bola Tinubu, Akin Olujimi (SAN) and counsel for the APC, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), opposed the request.

After hearing the arguments, Justice Haruna Tsammani reserved the ruling on the interrogatory applications by Obi and the LP.

He then adjourned further hearing in the petition to Friday.