As Nigerians await the much-anticipated ruling of the 2023 Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT), anxiety and tension seem to have enveloped the country.

Development Diaries reports that Nigerians have been seen displaying T-shirts and bags engraved with the words such as ‘Presidential Election Tribunal: All Eyes on the Judiciary; Judiciary, Save our Democracy’.

It is understood that the military and the police have issued a warning ahead of the ruling that they will not condone any unlawful action by troublemakers.

Also, the Department of State Services (DSS) has disclosed that there are plans by certain politicians to mobilise student leaders and ethnic associations to stage violent protests across the country.

It is important to note that irrespective of the outcome of the ruling, Nigerians must maintain peace and order.

The election tribunal will have three potential outcomes: the tribunal might uphold the election of President Bola Tinubu; the election may be nullified and a fresh one ordered; and the election outcome is rejected and a petitioner is declared the winner.

If the court determines that the election is invalid, and a new election is ordered, the electoral commission must conduct an election not later than three months after the judgment.

Whatever the case may be, if parties involved are unsatisfied with the judgment, they can proceed to the Supreme Court.

Development Diaries calls on all Nigerians to conduct themselves in a civil manner as a resort to violent protest is unlawful.

Also, security operatives must ensure that while they work to maintain law and order across the country, citizens’ right to conduct peaceful protests is respected.

Photo source: Court of Appeal Nigeria