Presidential Election Tribunal dismisses INEC, Buhari’s application seeking to strike out PDM’s petition

The Presidential Election Petition Tribunal has dismissed an application filed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and President Muhammadu Buhari seeking the dismissal of a petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM).

INEC and Buhari, being the second respondent had asked the tribunal to dismiss and strike out the petition filed by the PDM on the grounds that it did not file for notice of pre-trial within the 7 days after the close of pleading as stipulated by law.

Justice Mohammed Garba-led tribunal unanimously held that the PDM was well within the time since it filed a notice on the 19th of April and close of pleadings ended on the 15th of April 2019, which was before the 21st of April, is the expiration day of the close of pleadings in this petition.

Justice Garba added that PDM complied with the electoral act as such the application by INEC and President Buhari is misconceived and as such it is dismissed.

Meanwhile, the PDM has said that it is will outline its schedule for the hearing of the petition and they will need only one day to open and close their case.

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