Renowned lawyer and public affairs commentator, Barrister Eze Eluchie, has emphasized the existence of ample provisions within the Constitution to address the course of action that would be taken if the ongoing Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal invalidates the February 25 election and calls for a rerun.
Responding to media reports suggesting that the ruling party, APC, is making preparations for a potential rerun based on substantial evidence presented by petitioners at the tribunal, Eluchie addressed the issue during an interview on Voice Of the People FM.
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Eluchie underscored that if the court mandates a rerun and directs the incumbent APC President and Vice President to vacate their positions at Aso Rock, the Constitution explicitly states that the Senate President would assume the responsibility of governing the nation on an interim basis until a fresh presidential election is concluded and a winner is declared. Eluchie clarified that, according to the constitutional hierarchy of authority, the Senate President would be next in line to assume the presidency.
In such a scenario, Senator Akpabio would be required to assume the role of Acting President while the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) organizes a new election nationwide. Eluchie emphasized that this process is clearly outlined by the Constitution and would be implemented if the court orders a rerun.
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It is important to note that the ongoing proceedings at the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal are being closely monitored across the country. During an online meeting with party members, Barrister Julius Abure, the National Chairman of the Labour Party, alleged that the APC is already preparing for a potential rerun, given the wealth of evidence submitted by petitioners against the ruling party and its presidential candidate.
According to Abure, “Well, if the court orders a rerun, the Constitution is clear on what should happen. What will happen is that the Senate President assumes the seat of the presidency. Because the court would have to order Mr. President and his Vice to step out of office, and the next in line in the order of authority in the country is the Senate President.”
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Eluchie’s statements aim to provide clarity on the constitutional provisions concerning the potential outcomes of the tribunal’s decisions and the subsequent procedures that would be followed in the event of a rerun. By offering this analysis, he seeks to illuminate the matter and ensure a thorough understanding of the legal framework governing the country’s political processes.
