Pept: Tinubu Unveils Defence Date Against Atiku, Pdp

President Bola Tinubu through his defence counsel unveil defence date in the suit filed against him.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has completed its defense in the petition filed by Atiku Abubakar and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

However, Wole Olanipekun, the lawyer representing President Bola Tinubu, stated that the second respondent, Tinubu, will commence his defense on Tuesday, July 4.

The proceedings which is still ongoing took place at the presidential election petition court (PEPC).

During the hearing, INEC presented one witness and submitted relevant documents before closing its defence in response to the petition filed by Atiku and the PDP.

Abubakar Mahmoud, the defence counsel, declared the case closed after calling his sole witness, Dr. Lawrence Bayode, an Information Technology (IT) expert who works with INEC.

Bayode, the deputy director of the IT Department at INEC, testified that there were glitches encountered during the transmission of the presidential election results on February 25. These glitches affected the real-time transmission of the poll results.

Bayode also emphasized that the integrity of the results recorded on the polling unit result sheets (Form EC8A) remains intact, regardless of whether they are transmitted manually or electronically. He maintained that these results cannot be tampered with.

After Bayode concluded his testimony, Mahmoud announced the closure of the defense. The PDP and Atiku's legal teams cross-examined Bayode and adopted his written testimony during the proceedings.

As the defense stage concludes, the focus now shifts to Tinubu, who is expected to present his defense on the designated date.

The legal proceedings surrounding the petition will continue, providing further insights into the disputed presidential election.