The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) criticized Peter Obi, the Labour Party's presidential candidate in the 2023 election, for accusing the Commission's Chairman, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu, of evading a witness summons. INEC's lawyer, Mr. Kemi Pinhero, SAN, accused Obi of consistently blaming others for his failure in the presidential election. Obi had obtained a subpoena to compel the INEC Chairman to appear before the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) in Abuja and produce certain materials used in the election. Obi's lead counsel, Dr. Livy Uzoukwu, SAN, expressed frustration at their inability to serve the summons on Prof. Yakubu. Pinhero, SAN, countered Obi's claims, stating that it was a habit for the petitioners to seek adjournments and find someone to blame. He emphasized that INEC had not refused to release documents and that the allegation against the Chairman was unfounded. The court urged both parties to exercise restraint and avoid allowing such issues to harm their professional relationship. The hearing was adjourned until Thursday, with no objections from President Tinubu's counsel, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, or the APC's counsel, Mr. Afolabi Fashanu, SAN.
