The Presidential Tribunal has refused counsel representing the other faction of the Labour Party to make an appearance in court on Friday.
The 5-man panel led by Justice Haruna Tsamani took this decision on Friday to avoid unproductive arguments on the court.
“You didn’t file the petition. We have taken the appearance, says the judge. As a learner, you should know better that there can’t be two counsel for a petitioner. You can either leave or stay to watch the proceedings,” Ssaid Tsamani
Earlier, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, told the court he was representing himself and the party.
Shortly after that, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, announced his appearance as also representing the party.
It will be recalled that Justice Tsanmani, during last week’s pre-hearing, refused to record the names of those representing the party as both factions introduced themselves in court.
The controversy erupted as the National Chairman of the Labour Party introduced himself, and Peter Obi and the National Women Leader of the Party introduced themselves as the petitioners.
Earlier before the court session,a faction of the party engaged in an exchange of words, which faction is recognized.
There has been a crisis in the party since the 2023 presidential election, as the presidential candidate questioned the outcome of the poll that made Bola Ahmed Tinubu the president-elect.
Also after the court session, a mild drama broke out as Obi’s supporters refused to allow Lamidi Apapa to address journalists in court.