Tinubu’s lead lawyer CHIEF Wole Olanipekun in his 40 pages written address was citing cases decided under 1979 Constitution like Shagari Vs. Awolowo while ignoring recent cases consequent to 1999 Constitution like Oyetola vs.Adeleke, 1979 Constitution was defective hence 1999.
Reading through the written address of Tinubu and Shettima lawyers at the ongoing election petition tribunal led by supposed respected senior lawyer Wole Olanipekun, one can’t help but giggle at the hollowness and shallowness of their defense.
In the address, Mr Olanipekun was busy citing the case of Shagari vs Awolowo that happened as far back as 1979 under the 1979 Constitution and in election conducted by FEDECO, as our electoral commission was called then.
Since 1979, we’ve have had many reformations to our electoral laws and have even changed our constitution.
If anything, the most relevant case as far as election cases are concerned in Nigeria today, is the Supreme Court ruling in Osun in case of Oyetola vs Adeleke. This case is the most relevant because it is the only Supreme Court decision since the Electoral Act 2022 came into force.
Ironically, Mr Olanipekun surreptitiously ignored the Osun case which has a lot of similarities with the case at PEPT as they both bother on the place of technology in our election and to what degree INEC can choose to apply or ignore technology in our elections.
It is pertinent to state these things for the world to hear, read and see, so that we all keep an eye on the judiciary and see what comes out it.
Remember that it is not enough to do justice, justice must also be seen to have been done
