In a recent ruling, the Presidential Election Tribunal upheld the nomination of Vice President Kashim Shettima, while dismissing the petition by the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).
The decision, made by Justice Haruna Simon Tsammani, centred around procedural matters and concluded that the APM’s petition lacked both merit and competence.
The Tribunal’s ruling primarily rested on the fact that the APM’s petition derived from a pre-election matter that should have been addressed in a Federal High Court, rather than before the Election Tribunal.
This procedural discrepancy played a significant role in the dismissal of the petition. Furthermore, the Tribunal deemed the APM’s petition to be statute-barred, implying that it had exceeded the prescribed time limit for filing such claims.
Additionally, the Tribunal highlighted that the APM lacked standing to institute the petition, given that their presidential candidate was not a party to the case.
The APM raised concerns regarding Vice President Shettima’s dual nominations for both a Senatorial election and as a running mate to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
They alleged violations of constitutional sections in making these nominations. However, the Tribunal’s decision did not delve into the substantive allegations, as they were deemed irrelevant due to the procedural discrepancies raised.
While this ruling affirms Vice President Shettima’s nomination and dismisses the APM’s petition, it is important to note that procedural matters were the key factors in the Tribunal’s decision.
It does not discount the necessity for adherence to legal procedures, and it highlights the significance of addressing pre-election matters in the appropriate judicial forums.
As Nigeria continues to nurture its democratic processes, all stakeholders must uphold the rule of law and procedural fairness.
While the APM’s concerns were dismissed on procedural grounds, constructive criticism, accountability, and commitment to continuous improvement in the electoral system should remain essential objectives for the betterment of the nation.
This ruling by the Presidential Election Tribunal calls for a collective effort to ensure that the electoral process operates with transparency and adheres to legal standards.
It serves as a reminder that clarity in procedural matters is crucial to maintaining the integrity of the democratic system and safeguarding the aspirations of the Nigerian people.
