The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC today at the presidential election court sitting in Abuja, the nation’s capital argued that for a candidate to be declared as president-elect, the candidate must score at least 25% of the votes cast in the Federal Capital Territory.
INEC made this known through their lawyer while cross-examining a PDP witness at the tribunal on Monday Afternoon.
While cross examining the witness, INEC lawyers had asked, Do you realise Atiku didn’t get 25% in the FCT? The witness responded Yes. INEC lawyers asked further, Since he didn’t get 25% in the FCT, do you know he can’t be declared president? The witnessed responded, But Tinubu didn’t get 25% too & you people declared him President.
Section 134(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) is clear and unambiguous, direct and simple. It states that a candidate must secure 1/4th (25%) of votes cast in 2/3rd of the entire 36 States of Nigeria “And” 1/4th (25%) of votes cast in FCT. Both the Candidates of the PDP, Atiku Abubakar and Bola Tinubu of the APC did not meet this constitutional requirement.