The Presidential Election Petition Tribunal has commenced the pre-hearing of the election petition filed by Peter Obi, Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the February 25 election.

At the commencement of the pre-hearing in Abuja on Saturday, Obi, through his legal representative, Awa Kalu, told the court that he had lined up 50 witnesses to prove his case in seven weeks.

He stated that the period was necessitated by INEC’s delay in complying with an inspection order granted him by the court.

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On the defense side, according to Arise News, the Independent National Electoral Commission has five witnesses to call, while Tinubu listed 21 witnesses.

“Pre-hearing of Peter Obi’s petition gets underway.
Peter Obi of the Labour Party says he will bring 50 witnesses to prove his case challenging the victory of Bola Tinubu in the February 25 Presidential Election. Speaking through his lawyer, Awa Kalu, Obi said he will need 7 weeks to complete its case,” Arise News posted on its verified Twitter page on today.

“He said 7 weeks are required due to hiccups occasioned by INEC’s delay in heeding the order of the Court of 8th March asking the electoral body to allow forensic inspection of BVAS. He added also that INEC is yet to make available relevant documents to help prosecute its case.

“INEC will have five (5) witnesses to give testimony against the petition of Peter Obi of the Labour Party. The electoral body says it will require seven days to complete its case.

“For Bola Tinubu and Kashim Shettima, there will be 21 witnesses, and they intend to complete their case in nine (9) days. APC will have seven witnesses excluding those to be invited later during hearing. And they shall have nine (9) days to complete their case.”

FIJ earlier reported that the tribunal had informed litigants that the use of phones in the courtroom would not be permitted.