#PETJudgement: “Abuja Residents Seek Governor And Senators Following Tribunal’s Equalization Ruling,” Jokes Daniel Bwala, Esq.

Daniel Bwala, lawyer and spokesperson for PDP’s Atiku Abubakar, mocked the Tribunal ruling equating Abuja to other states by joking that natives are demanding a governor after the verdict.

In a tweet, Bwala commented “Following the Presidential Election Petition Court’s judgment which states to the effect that Abuja is just like any other state; I am hearing that the natives of Abuja are approaching the court for an order mandating FGN to let them produce their Governor and 3 Senators amongst other peculiarities of a state. What is good for Guinea is also good for Uganda.lollllllllll”

Following the Presidential Election Petition Court’s judgment which states to the effect that Abuja is just like any other state; I am hearing that the natives of Abuja are approaching the court for an order mandating FGN to let them produce their Governor and 3 Senators amongst…

— D. H Bwala (@BwalaDaniel) September 10, 2023

The Tribunal had ruled that FCT does not have special status over other states regarding the 25% threshold for presidential polls. It stated that FCT is not superior to any state in dismissing Labour Party’s interpretation of the constitution.

LP’s Peter Obi was the only candidate that crossed the 25% mark in FCT during the February 25 election. The Tribunal’s judgment equalizing Abuja to states prompted Bwala’s satirical take about Abuja natives demanding a governor.

Bwala joked that what is applicable to one state should be applicable to others based on the verdict. His tweet provides comic relief while highlighting potential issues with the Tribunal’s position on the FCT’s status.

Critics argue that Abuja’s unique status as the capital necessitates special provisions regarding presidential polls that other states may not require. Bwala’s jesting hints at such criticism of the Tribunal’s judgment.