Evidence Presented: Tinubu and Shettima Back Claims on Peter Obi’s Party Affiliation
Background: According to POLITICSNIGERIA, President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima have provided evidence in support of their assertion that Peter Obi is not a registered member of the Labour Party in Anambra State. The evidence was presented during the defense proceedings at the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC).
Evidence Submitted: President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima’s legal representative, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), submitted the Labour Party membership register for Anambra State, accompanied by a letter from the party addressed to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The documents, labeled Exhibits RA17 and RA18, were admitted by the court despite objections from the petitioners’ lawyer, Livy Uzoukwu (SAN).
Argument Made: Tinubu and Shettima contend that Peter Obi allegedly resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on May 26, 2022, and joined the Labour Party (LP) on May 27, 2022. They claim that the LP conducted its Presidential Primary election on May 30, 2022, with Obi emerging as the candidate for the general election.
Get Instantly Update By: Joining Our Whatapps and Telegram Channel
Legal Basis: Referencing Section 77(3) of the Electoral Act, the defense argues that political parties are required to submit their comprehensive register of members to INEC 30 days prior to their presidential primary. Consequently, the register should have been submitted by April 30, 2022. They maintain that as of that date, Peter Obi was still a member of the PDP, and his name was not included in the register of members submitted by the LP to INEC.
Obi’s Response: Peter Obi’s counsel, in defense, asserts that he was indeed a member of the PDP when he contested the presidential election under the LP.