Debate Ensues over FCT's 25% Vote Requirement, Nigerian Lawyers Weigh In

in r2cornell •  10 months ago 

In a recent turn of events, the Federal Capital Territory's (FCT) voting threshold of 25% has become a subject of intense debate among Nigerian lawyers.

The controversy emerged following Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu's failure to secure the required percentage of votes in the February 25th election held in the FCT.

Notably, a group within the FCT lodged a petition with the court, seeking to halt Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu's inauguration as President, which is scheduled for May 29th.

Shedding light on the matter, Daniel Bwala, a prominent Nigerian lawyer and leader of the People's Democratic Party, expressed his belief that Tinubu's inauguration would proceed as planned.

Bwala, in an exclusive interview with Arise, stated that the only factor capable of preventing Tinubu from assuming office would be an appeals court ruling mandating the fulfillment of the 25% FCT vote requirement.

He emphasized that unless a court order was issued to address Section 134 of the Nigerian Constitution, Tinubu would be sworn in. Bwala further explained that if the Court of Appeal were to decide that the 25% FCT vote was indeed mandatory, the inauguration would be canceled, disregarding the specific details of the petition. However, it remains uncertain whether such a ruling will come into effect.

The debate revolves around the significance of the FCT's 25% vote requirement and its potential impact on Tinubu's presidential inauguration.

Should the appeals court establish the mandatory nature of this threshold, the inauguration would be halted, pending a resolution of the matter. On the other hand, if no order is issued to prevent Tinubu's assumption of office, he would proceed with the oath-taking ceremony as planned.

The implications of this debate extend beyond the specific circumstances surrounding Tinubu's inauguration. It serves as a reminder of the intricate legal complexities involved in the electoral process and the significance of adhering to constitutional provisions.

As the arguments continue, Nigerians eagerly await the court's ruling and the outcome that will shape the future of their nation.

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