Tribunal Admits 48 Videos Presented By Atiku, PDP
Written by darling on July 16, 2019
The Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, and his party have tendered 48 video clips at the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal.
The videos were produced by the media adviser to the petitioner, Mr Segun Sowunmi, to prove their case at the Tribunal as they challenge President Muhammadu Buhari’s victory in the February 23 election.
Four of the clips played included an interview with the Akwa Ibom State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr Mike Iginni, where he said the results of the election would be transmitted to the server of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In another video, an Army officer was seen denying President Buhari’s claim that his West African Examination Council (WAEC) certificate was with the Nigerian Army.
The third video showed INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, in a meeting with members of the Computer Professionals and Practitioners in Nigeria.
At the meeting, Professor Yakubu was seen telling the group he was hopeful that electronic transmission would be deployed for the 2019 general elections.
Under cross-examination by the lawyer representing INEC, Yunus Usman, Mr Sowunmi admitted that the video clips were recorded before the presidential election was conducted.
Atiku’s aide was then asked if he was aware of an interview by the INEC boss on February 5, 2019, where he was said to have declared that electronic transmission of results would not be used for the general elections.
He answered that he would possibly have the clip.
Sowunmi also repeated the same response during cross-examination by President Buhari’s lawyer, Dr Alex Izinyon.
However, counsel to the petitioners, Chris Uche, opposed attempts by Dr Izinyon to play the video made on February 5, to counter their claims.
He said although the video was not “pleaded” as part of President Buhari’s proposed exhibits, he would not object to the playing of the clip on the equipment provided by the respondents’ teams.
Dr Izinyon then requested and obtained an adjournment of the proceedings, to enable him to produce his equipment on Tuesday.
The Tribunal subsequently adjourned the matter till July 16 for the continuation of Sowunmi’s cross-examination.
