Our Reporter, New York
Popular television broadcaster and co-host of the Morning Show on the Arise TV station, Rufai Oseni, has expressed doubt over any possibility of the judiciary nullifying the election of Bola Ahmed Tinubu after he has been sworn-in on May 29. This is because the Nigerian president is like a monarchy with unquestionable authority.
The journalist made the remarks while appearing as a guest on 90MinutesAfrica hosted by Rudolf Okonkwo and Chido Onumah on Sunday.
“Go and read the constitution of Nigeria,” Rufai said in response to the question of what would happen if Bola Tinubu is inaugurated while his victory still faces legal challenges.
Speaking further, he said, “the Nigerian president is a monarch. Once he is sworn-in, he assumes monarchical powers. A Nigerian president is like what the Yoruba calls ‘kabiyesi.’ You can hardly question him.”
The presidential election of February 25, which Bola Ahmed Tinubu won, was fraught with irregularities. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) violated its own electoral guidelines by failing to transmit the polling unit results of the election to the results viewing portal (IReV) in real-time. The candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) rejected the outcome of the exercise and have since filed petitions at the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal. Some supporters of the opposition parties have demanded that the president–elect should not be sworn-in until the litigation is concluded.
The journalist cautions on the need for constitutional reforms to check the excessive powers of the Nigerian president.
“Nigerians should be active not only about politics but also on matters of constitutional reforms,” Rufai admonished.
He said the reforms would ensure that all litigations are concluded before the inauguration of future presidents.
