By Mike O. Enahoro
Why I won’t even suggest to my enemy to risk any jail term; the Prof. Ignatius Nduk as case study is still fresh in our memories as the perils of perjury…
The ongoing election petition case between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Barr. Asuerinme Ighodalo versus the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Sen. Monday Okpebholo has reached a critical juncture. With the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and Certified True Copies (CTCs) from INEC already admitted as evidence in court, the stakes have increased exponentially for APC witnesses.
Any APC witness who testifies contrary to the established facts risks facing severe consequences, including jail terms for perjury. This is not an idle threat; the court has already accepted the BVAS and CTCs as evidence, which establishes a factual basis for the case. If an APC witness contradicts this evidence, they will be liable for perjury, with all its attendant consequences. So, I will not even wish my enemy to take a risk that will never worth it.
In election petition cases, credibility is paramount. The court relies on the credibility of witnesses and the reliability of evidence to make informed decisions. By admitting the BVAS and CTCs as evidence, the court has demonstrated its commitment to upholding and restoring integrity back to the electoral process.
The outcome of this case has significant implications for the future of elections in Nigeria. If the court upholds the petition, it is likely to lead to the declaration of the petitioner as the authentic winner of the election. This would be a watershed moment for Nigerian democracy, demonstrating the commitment of the judiciary to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the integrity of the electoral process.
The case of Prof. Ignatius Nduk serves as a stark warning to APC witnesses. As a respected academic and public figure, Prof. Nduk’s action in Uyo carried significant weight. However, his malpractice role in the 2019 election and apparent perjury have tarnished his reputation and undermined the credibility of his personality.
The election petition case between PDP/Barr. Asuerinme Ighodalo and INEC/APC/Sen. Monday Okpebholo is a critical test of the Nigerian electoral and judicial systems. With the BVAS and CTCs already admitted as evidence, the stakes are high for APC witnesses. As the case unfolds, it is essential to ensure that the integrity of the electoral process is restored when justice is served.
