Tension As Atiku, PDP’s Legal Teams Demand 10-Minute Audience In Chamber With Panel

Anxiety and palpable tension have enveloped the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division following a 10-minute stand down of proceeding.

Wednesday’s sitting was for commencement of hearing into the petition by Atiku and PDP challenging the declaration of President Muhammadu Buhari as winner of the 2019 presidential election.

As the proceeding was about to begin, Dr Livy Uzoukwu SAN, counsel to the petitioners made an oral application for a 10-minite audience with the panel and two counsels each representing the appellants and respondents.

Efforts made by INEC’s counsel Yunus Usman to scuttle the meeting in chamber was fruitless as Wole Olanipekun SAN, who is representing Buhari confirmed to the panel that Uzoukwu had whispered to him and few other counsel about his request.

Subsequently, Chairman of the 5-man presidential election tribunal, Zainab Bulkachuwa, who is the President, Court of Appeal granted the application.

As at the time of this report, the closed-door meeting is ongoing.

Uche Secondus, National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party represented PDP, Nuhu Ribadu represented President Muhammadu Buhari the 2nd respondent, APC (3rd respondent) was represented by it’s National Legal Adviser Babatunde Ogara, while Oluwatoyin Babalola, Director Legal Services represented INEC (1st respondent).

Dr Livy Uzoukwu announced legal representation for the petitioners; Yunus Ustaz Usman SAN entered appearance for INEC, Wole Olanipekun SAN, was counsel for the 2nd respondent, while Lateef Fagbemi SAN represented the 3rd respondent (APC).