Protesters attempted to storm the appeal court in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital on Monday in response to concerns about the outcome of the election result but were prevented from gaining entry by security operatives.

The protest leader, Orngu Angwu, called on the judiciary to provide justice for Nigerians, as many citizens were disappointed by the conduct of the presidential election, which occurred amidst widespread insecurity, economic difficulties, and increasing poverty. A panel of five Nigerian judges sat for a pre-hearing session on Monday regarding the trial of opposition leaders contesting the February election, which was won by the ruling party.

Although petitions contesting the victory of Bola Tinubu were filed in March by several presidential candidates, including the main opposition leader Atiku Abubakar who came second and outsider Peter Obi who was third, no major decision was expected on Monday.

The court has 180 days to issue a judgment, which can then be appealed at the supreme court. The ongoing court battle is unlikely to disrupt the swearing-in of Tinubu on May 29, who will succeed Muhammadu Buhari after two terms in office.

Nigerian democracy has a history of elections ending up in court since the country returned to democracy in 1999 after three decades of military rule. However, no challenge has ever overturned election results. This highlights the importance of the judiciary in ensuring the fairness and transparency of elections in Nigeria.

The opposition leaders contesting the February election results, Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, claimed that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) did not comply with electoral laws and engaged in corrupt practices. Abubakar also claimed that Tinubu failed to meet the legal threshold of 25 percent of votes in the Federal Capital Territory.

The ongoing court battle is a significant test for the Nigerian judiciary’s independence and impartiality, as it will determine the legitimacy of the election results. Moreover, it is essential to ensure that the election process is transparent and credible to prevent the escalation of violence and unrest, which the country is currently grappling with.

Nigeria faces numerous challenges, including widespread insecurity, economic struggles, and growing poverty. Many Nigerians had hoped that the presidential election would bring about positive change. However, the disappointment expressed by citizens highlights the urgent need for the government to address these pressing issues and work towards promoting peace, stability, and prosperity for all Nigerians.

In conclusion, the ongoing court battle highlights the importance of the judiciary in upholding the rule of law and promoting democracy in Nigeria. The government must ensure that elections are conducted in a transparent and credible manner, and address the country’s pressing issues to restore citizens’ confidence in the democratic process.