A Nigerian tribunal has refused to allow live television coverage of an opposition challenge to Bola Tinubu’s victory in February’s hotly contested presidential election.
Lawyers for defeated candidates Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi argued that live broadcasting of the hearings was in the public interest.
However, five judges unanimously denied their request.
“The mere sentimental claim that it [live broadcasts]will benefit the voters has no utilitarian value on the matters before the court,” said Justice Haruna Tsammani, who delivered the ruling, according to Nigeria’s Daily Trust newspaper.
The ruling is a victory for Mr. Tinubu and the electoral commission, who argued against live broadcasting of the proceedings.
Mr. Abubakar and Mr. Obi are attempting to overturn Mr. Tinubu’s victory, claiming that the election was marred by irregularities.
Mr. Tinubu and the electoral commission say the outcome was credible, despite technical difficulties in uploading results to the commission’s website.
Mr Tunibu was declared the winner with 37% of the vote, Mr Abubakar received 29%, and Mr. Obi received 25%.
