Antecedents & Count down to 2023 PEPT Judgement

Indeed, events on the African continent is perhaps signalling what the outcome of the awaited PEPT judgement should be.

Critically, the Niger Coup, and recent coups in other Francophone countries may be a reminder that taking the people's wishes for granted could only be at the leaders peril and risk of a death nail to democracy.

Nigeria can not claim to be immune to similar incursion by the military. BAT's selection in itself was a coup, albeit non-military. It is only by constitutional processes that his  mis-selection could be remedied. Failing to do this at this time will be opening the Pandora's box of unconstitutional processes, which we see across W.Africa this minute.

Incidentally, BAT is assuming legitimacy, but like the proverbial 'Emperor's New Clothes', his nakedness is obvious to all but himself. The Judiciary may choose to ascribe to this folly or, for once, make the right call to rescue Nigeria from years of wilful obfuscation of the truth for self-serving interests.

Also of significance is the clear message from Nigeria's senate. Unlike BAT, there is no appetite for an unjustified war as being proposed by ECOWAS, especially when the issues borders on the rights of the people of Niger as against the wishes of Western interests. BAT, wishing to appeal to these Western interests may believe this was an opportunity to curry favour. It has also been insinuated how a war might excuse BAT'S government to remain in power, for the duration of such crises.

Regardless of these arguments, what is critical is that events in Niger speaks to the voice of reason and portend caution by PEPT in their final decision.

Perhaps the gods have a hand in this matter. Even the deaf knows when the show is over. The three separate submissions to the PEPT spoke on behalf of the majority of Nigerians.

Democracy thrives on the premise of a majority rule. The arguments in favour of the petitioners have been demonstrably made with no clear defence submitted by the respondents.

Nigerians and indeed the world wait with bated breath what the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal will decide.

Nigerian Diaspora Action Group (NDAG UK)