PEPT: The same people complaining about tribunal ruling on IREV celebrated when it happened in Osun – Liborous Oshoma

Prominent Nigerian lawyer, Liborous Oshoma, has drawn attention to what he perceives as a double standard in reactions to the ruling by the presidential election petition tribunal regarding INEC’s use of IREV to transmit election results. Oshoma stated that those who are currently expressing dissatisfaction with the ruling are the same individuals who celebrated a similar decision in favour of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) during the Osun state governorship election petition tribunal.

Speaking during an interview on Arise TV, Oshoma pointed out that the law grants INEC the discretion to amend the regulations it established before an election, particularly in relation to the use of IREV for transmitting election results. He revealed this point by stating, “If INEC gave a regulation and they are not able to comply with that regulation, does the law permit them that discretion? The answer is yes.”

Oshoma then stressed a significant historical parallel, noting that when the Supreme Court delivered a similar judgment in the case of the Osun state election, those who are now expressing discontent celebrated the ruling. In the Osun case, the Supreme Court had affirmed INEC’s discretion to modify its regulations, which favored the PDP. Oshoma recalled that supporters of the PDP lauded the decision, considering it a victory for democracy. He suggested that there is a certain inconsistency in the reactions of various political groups and individuals, as those who once celebrated a similar ruling now find themselves on the opposing side of the argument.

“If INEC gave a regulation and they are not able to comply with that regulation, does the law permit them that discretion? The answer is yes. So do you know that when the Supreme court delivered this same judgement in the case of Osun state, those that are complaining today, celebrated that ruling? On the same IREV, the supreme court said that INEC has the discretion to make changes to their regulations and this went in PDP’s favour. They celebrated it, saying it’s victory for democracy. So likewise, the APC that complained about that ruling in Osun are the ones celebrating it now.”

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