Tribunal relocates to Abuja: Implications for democracy amidst political tensions

DDM News

The Edo State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal has announced its relocation from Benin City to Abuja, effective Monday, January 27, 2025.

Diaspora digital media (DDM) gathered that this decision to move the tribunal’s sessions to the National Judicial Institute (NJI) on Airport Road, Abuja, has significant implications for the democratic process, particularly in the context of electoral disputes and political tensions.

The relocation notice, issued by the tribunal’s secretary, Mu’azu Bagudu, informs all involved parties that the tribunal will no longer convene in Benin City.

This shift, while procedural, comes at a time when the credibility of the electoral system is under scrutiny.

While the tribunal did not provide an official reason for the relocation, the move follows several sessions of the tribunal being disrupted by violence and unrest from political actors engaged in the election petitions process.

These disruptions raise serious concerns about the ability of democratic institutions to operate effectively and impartially in the face of political unrest.

Democratic institutions, such as election tribunals, are fundamental to ensuring that the will of the people is upheld and that electoral disputes are resolved fairly.

However, the violent interference witnessed during the tribunal’s earlier sessions demonstrates how fragile this process can become when political stakeholders resort to extrajudicial means to influence outcomes.

The tribunal’s decision to relocate aims to mitigate these challenges by ensuring that proceedings can continue in a more secure and controlled environment.

This move may be seen as an attempt to protect the integrity of the democratic process by preventing further disruptions and ensuring that the rule of law prevails.

The Edo State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal is reviewing the 2024 gubernatorial election results, where Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) emerged as the winner.

As the tribunal now prepares to hear petitions in Abuja, the shift is indicative of the ongoing challenges faced by democratic systems in countries where electoral processes are contested and sometimes marred by violence.

Despite the absence of a clear explanation for the move, it reflects the tribunal’s effort to restore public confidence in the electoral process.

The transparency and fairness of electoral petitions are central to maintaining democratic legitimacy.

By relocating, the tribunal seeks to create an environment where all parties can present their cases without undue interference.

In the broader context of democracy, the relocation of the tribunal serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting democratic institutions from forces that seek to undermine them.

The ability of tribunals to operate without fear of violence or manipulation is crucial to the health of a democracy, and ensuring that electoral disputes are resolved in a fair and transparent manner helps safeguard the rights of citizens to participate in the democratic process.

As the tribunal continues its work, this relocation underscores the need to protect democratic processes and institutions from political interference, ensuring that the foundations of democracy remain strong even in the face of challenges.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook