Presidential Election Court scolds Labour Party counsel over document request

The Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) has criticised the Labour Party's counsel, Livy Uzoukwu, for not following proper procedures in requesting documents from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Uzoukwu accused INEC of intentionally withholding documents that could support the party's case challenging the results of the February 25 presidential election.

During the proceedings, Uzoukwu stated, "We met with the INEC chairman, and he assured us that all the documents will be made available." However, INEC, represented by Morounkeji Olufunmilayo, its director on certification and complaints, objected to the Labour Party's claims, pointing out that they had only received the subpoena to produce the documents on Monday.

The court cautioned Uzoukwu against relying on his meeting with INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu as a legal compelling force, emphasising that there is an established legal process for requesting documents, with specified penalties for refusal or obstruction. The Labour Party's counsels have not diligently followed this process, instead wrongly relying on personal assurances from Yakubu.

The documents in question pertain to the state collation sheets of all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).