Election Tribunal: Why Court Cases Against Tinubu Could Last Up To Six Months – Frank Tietie

As Nigerians brace up for the legal battle that is set to commence over the outcome of the just-concluded presidential elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), renowned litigation lawyer, and public affairs analyst, Barrister Frank Tietie has come out to explain why the APC’s Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu will enjoy all the perks of a President after May 29, despite having the legitimacy of his victory at the polls as a subject of serious litigation in an election tribunal. Continue Reading>>>>

Speaking during an interview on ARISE TV’s ‘News Night’ a few hours ago, Tietie revealed that against the general belief of Nigerians, the APC flag bearer will enjoy full immunity as provided by the Constitution once he is sworn into the Aso Rock Villa less than 50 days from now.

Going further, the legal luminary insisted that calls being made for the petitions filed against Tinubu’s victory to be expedited by the tribunal cannot happen because the Electoral Act says the judicial processes must be concluded within 180 days (6 months) of filing. Continue Reading>>>>

He said; “There is no doubt about the fact that the expectation provided by Section 138 of the Electoral Act is that the declared winner of any election would first of all be sworn in. In fact, the wording of Section 138 states the person will enjoy the benefits of the office, this includes full immunity. Even if the election is being disputed or even if a court declares the election null and void, the person will still remain in office for another 21 days before he files an appeal. That is the law.

Sadly, the citizenry and civil societies in this country are always coming late and trying to play catch up all the time. Where were we when the Constitution was amended, especially section 285, which makes it sacrosanct for either pre-election or post-election petition to be concluded between 180 days? It doesn’t even end there. In the eventuality of an appeal, the case goes on for another 60 days. As a litigation lawyer myself, I know how much lawyers like to buy time to do all the things they want to do.” Continue Reading>>>>