I never understood the much difference between the use of two important conjunctions i.e. AND & OR until I reflected on what I have been teaching my students in Logic, Probability and Concord classes. Today I want to use my knowledge of Logic to prove that it is mandatory for a presidential candidate to win one-quarter of votes in FCT before he/she could be declared winner. So as to make my explanation short, simple and straightforward, I would be using Probability and Concord for further explanation at a later time.

Firstly, what does the constitution says:
There are two (2) conditions for determining a winner of a presidential election:

1. A presidential candidate must secure the highest number of votes cast at the election

2. He/she must secure not less than 25% of votes cast in at least two-thirds of all the States of the federation and FCT.

The main cause of argument is at the bolded (and).

In Logical Reasoning, AND & OR are not synonymous. These two words have distinct meaning. While AND is a CONJUNCTION, OR is a DISJUNCTION.

In set notation the intersection of two substatements represent the conjunction of every statement. A conjunction is true only if both of the substatements are true.

True + True = True
True + False = False
False +True = False
False + False = False

Also, in set notation the union of two substatements represent the disnjunction of every substatement. A disnjunction is true if either of its substatements is true or if they are both true (it is only false if they are both false.

True + True = True
True + False = True
False + True = True
False + False = False

My thought

The second electoral criteria above consists of two substatements separated by "and." For the whole statement to be true (fulfilled), the two substatements must be fulfilled.

I think those who drafted the constitution intended to use OR but mistakenly use AND out of ignorance. Their motive was to use OR instead of AND after all the people living in Abuja are not more special than the people living in other parts of the country. So the only condition by which Tinubu can win this argument in court is if the supreme court judges decide to help him out by looking at "technicalities'' instead of what Nigeria Constitution actually says.

In conclusion, to be declared Presidential winner, a candidate must secure at least 1/4th (25%) of votes cast in 2/3rd of the entire 36 States of Nigeria (that is in 24 states). Also, the candidate must also secure not less than 25% of the votes cast at the FCT.

iSense247:
I never understood the much difference between the use of two important conjunctions i.e. AND & OR until I reflected on what I have been teaching my students in Logic, Probability and Concord classes. Today I want to use my knowledge of Logic to prove that it is mandatory for a presidential candidate to win one-quarter of votes in FCT before he/she could be declared winner. So as to make my explanation short, simple and straightforward, I would be using Probability and Concord for further explanation at a later time.

Firstly, what does the constitution says:
There are two (2) conditions for determining a winner of a presidential election:

1. A presidential candidate must secure the highest number of votes cast at the election

2. He/she must secure not less than 25% of votes cast in at least two-thirds of all the States of the federation and FCT.

The main cause of argument is at the bolded (and).

In Logical Reasoning, AND & OR are not synonymous. These two words have distinct meaning. While AND is a CONJUNCTION, OR is a DISJUNCTION.

In set notation the intersection of two substatements represent the conjunction of every statement. A conjunction is true only if both of the substatements are true.

True + True = True
True + False = False
False +True = False
False + False = False

Also, in set notation the union of two substatements represent the disnjunction of every substatement. A disnjunction is true if either of its substatements is true or if they are both true (it is only false if they are both false.

True + True = True
True + False = True
False + True = True
False + False = False

My thought

The second electoral criteria above consists of two substatements separated by "and." For the whole statement to be true (fulfilled), the two substatements must be fulfilled.

I think those who drafted the constitution intended to use OR but mistakenly use AND out of ignorance. Their motive was to use OR instead of AND after all the people living in Abuja are not more special than the people living in other parts of the country. So the only condition by which Tinubu can win this argument in court is if the supreme court judges decide to help him out by looking at "technicalities'' instead of what Nigeria Constitution actually says.

In conclusion, to be declared Presidential winner, a candidate must secure at least 1/4th (25%) of votes cast in 2/3rd of the entire 36 States of Nigeria (that is in 24 states). Also, [b]the candidate must also secure not less than 25% of the votes cast at the FCT.[/b]

The bolded is the real deal


There will be no technicalities, the mandate will be returned.

INEC would also be reprimanded because they erred in making a declaration

He/she must secure not less than 25% of votes cast in at least two-thirds of all the States of the federation and FCT

He/she must secure not less than 25% of votes cast in at least two-thirds of all the States of the federation or FCT

The two statements above are not the same. And means all conditions must be fulfilled. Or mean one condition is to be fulfilled. Tribunal should not result to "technicalities'' this time around. Let common sense prevail.

Foolish logic.

Nigeria is composed of 36 States and FCT as a totality.

Securing minimum of 25% in 2/3 of Nigeria is equal to 2/3 of 36 States and FCT.

FCT has to be called separately since it is not a state, but it is part of Nigeria from which the 2/3 must be met.

Your logic is only right if there was a comma sign (,) before the AND, then it would mean the rule applies to 36 States and separately applies to FCT.

Without the comma sign the rule applies to the totality of Nigeria, and Nigeria is composed of 36 States and FCT.

There was no OR intended, and FCT is not also separate from the totality of Nigeria as the catchment area.

Even a primary school pupil knows that since 1996 when the last 6 states were created, Nigeria is defined as being composed of 36 States and FCT.

Did Tinubu score 25% or more beyond 2/3 of the components of Nigeria that serve as the catchment area, which is 36 States and FCT?

Yes he did with 30 States, remaining only 6 States and FCT.

Case closed!

It's very simple. Unfortunately criminally minded people try to twist it for their criminal purposes.

The drafters of the constitution did not have anybody in mind when the constitution was drafted. It is what it is.
There is no permutation or grammar about.

Infact the reason tinubu was not able to get all the constitutional requirements is because the election was foolishly rigged forgetting that technology was used this time.

These matters have been brought before the supreme court of Nigria in 2003 and 2008. And the lordship ruled just as it is in the constitution.

It is simple. If you will be president of Nigeria, winning the FCT is not mandatory. It is optional. But getting a 25% of votes in the FCT is MANDATORY

Throwback. No amount of explanation can cure mind because you are operating under intentional delusion. You have chosen to call blue black. If JAMB says you must pass English and Mathematics before entering into university, would be given admission when you pass only English but not Mathematics?

Tntsi:
It's very simple. Unfortunately criminally minded people try to twist it for their criminal purposes.

The writers of the constitution did not have anybody in mind d when the constitution was drafted. It is what it is.

These matters have been brought before the supreme court of Nigria in 2003 and 2008. And the lordship ruled just as it is in the constitution.

It is simple. Winning the FCT is not mandatory. It is optional. But getting a 25% is MANDATORY.

And & Or have different meanings. While and is compulsory, or is optional.

He/she must secure not less than 25% of votes cast in at least two-thirds of all the States of the federation and FCT.

So I have reviewed the 25% requirement. I was previously of the opinion that the 25% in Abuja was required, but on another critical look, if the writers of the constitution intended Abuja to be a requirement, wouldn’t they have added it as a third requirement? That is:

1. Highest number of votes
2. 25% requirement in 2/3 of states
3. 25% in FCT.

I think it all boils down to the arguments brought forward by lawyers from both parties. The most reasonable argument wins. Hopefully PO lawyers can solidify their arguments with constitutional and historic references

I think the strongest argument in this case will be from the BVAS. If INEC refused to allow PO to inspect the BVAS machines despite the court’s order, then the court has no choice but to accept PO’s claim that he won the election based on his own documentation and calculations.

Tntsi:
It's very simple. Unfortunately criminally minded people try to twist it for their criminal purposes.

The writers of the constitution did not have anybody in mind d when the constitution was drafted. It is what it is.

These matters have been brought before the supreme court of Nigria in 2003 and 2008. And the lordship ruled just as it is in the constitution.

It is simple. Winning the FCT is not mandatory. It is optional. But getting a 25% is MANDATORY.

So what did the Constitution say about a candidate who win in the 36 State but lost in the FCT? What did the constitution say should happen when a scenerio like that plays out?

iSense247:
I never understood the much difference between the use of two important conjunctions i.e. AND & OR until I reflected on what I have been teaching my students in Logic, Probability and Concord classes. Today I want to use my knowledge of Logic to prove that it is mandatory for a presidential candidate to win one-quarter of votes in FCT before he/she could be declared winner. So as to make my explanation short, simple and straightforward, I would be using Probability and Concord for further explanation at a later time.

Firstly, what does the constitution says:
There are two (2) conditions for determining a winner of a presidential election:

1. A presidential candidate must secure the highest number of votes cast at the election

2. He/she must secure not less than 25% of votes cast in at least two-thirds of all the States of the federation and FCT.

The main cause of argument is at the bolded (and).

In Logical Reasoning, AND & OR are not synonymous. These two words have distinct meaning. While AND is a CONJUNCTION, OR is a DISJUNCTION.

In set notation the intersection of two substatements represent the conjunction of every statement. A conjunction is true only if both of the substatements are true.

True + True = True
True + False = False
False +True = False
False + False = False

Also, in set notation the union of two substatements represent the disnjunction of every substatement. A disnjunction is true if either of its substatements is true or if they are both true (it is only false if they are both false.

True + True = True
True + False = True
False + True = True
False + False = False

My thought

The second electoral criteria above consists of two substatements separated by "and." For the whole statement to be true (fulfilled), the two substatements must be fulfilled.

I think those who drafted the constitution intended to use OR but mistakenly use AND out of ignorance. Their motive was to use OR instead of AND after all the people living in Abuja are not more special than the people living in other parts of the country. So the only condition by which Tinubu can win this argument in court is if the supreme court judges decide to help him out by looking at "technicalities'' instead of what Nigeria Constitution actually says.

In conclusion, to be declared Presidential winner, a candidate must secure at least 1/4th (25%) of votes cast in 2/3rd of the entire 36 States of Nigeria (that is in 24 states). Also, the candidate must also secure not less than 25% of the votes cast at the FCT.

So what did the Constitution say about a candidate who win in the 36 State but lost in the FCT? What did the constitution say should happen when a scenerio like that plays out?

So that means I can pack all my campaign money to Abuja in a bid to scuffle elections because I do know I don't have the required spread to win votes all over Nigeria.

I don't care if INEC spends billions of naira on reruns. I am just going to win Abuja and ensure others get less than 25% in Abuja.

Parachoko:
So what did the Constitution say about a candidate who win in the 36 State but lost in the FCT?

The constitution is supreme.
You and I know it is impossible to win all the 36 states. Are u the only candidate?

Tntsi:


The constitution is supreme.
You and I know it is impossible to win all the 36 states. Are u the only candidate?

You didn't answer the question

Okay

You claim Tinubu didn't win the election because he didn't have up to 25% in Abuja

What did the constitution say should happen when this kind of scenerio plays out?

Throwback:
Foolish logic.

Nigeria is composed of 36 States and FCT as a totality.

Securing minimum of 25% in 2/3 of Nigeria is equal to 2/3 of 36 States and FCT.

FCT has to be called separately since it is not a state, but it is part of Nigeria from which the 2/3 must be met.

Your logic is only right if there was a comma sign (,) before the AND, them it would mean the rule applies to 36 States and separately applies to FCT.

Without the comma sign the rule applies to the totality of Nigeria, and Nigeria is composed of 36 States and FCT.

There was no OR intended, and FCT is not also separate from the totality of Nigeria as the catchment area.

Even a primary school pupil knows that since 1996 when the last 6 states were created, Nigeria is defined as being composed of 36 States and FCT.

Did Tinubu score 25% or more beyond 2/3 of the components of Nigeria that serve as the catchment area, which is 36 States and FCT?

Yes he did with 30 States, remaining only 6 States and FCT.

Case closed!

Also:

Parachoko:
So what did the Constitution say about a candidate who win in the 36 State but lost in the FCT? What did the constitution say should happen when a scenerio like that plays out?

You didn't read the comment you quoted. The answer to your question is in the last paragraph.

"It is simple. Winning the FCT is not mandatory. It is optional. But getting a 25% is MANDATORY."

Parachoko:
You didn't answer the question

Okay

You claim Tinubu didn't win the election because he didn't have up to 25% in Abuja

What did the constitution say should happen when this kind of scenerio plays out?

My friend read the constituon. What it says is supreme to what you think and is simple and clear to read and understand.
If you don't like what it says ,go to togo or benin republic

raskymonojendor:
So that means I can pack all my campaign money to Abuja in a bid to scuffle elections because I do know I don't have the required spread to win votes all over Nigeria.

I don't care if INEC spends billions of naira on reruns. I am just going to win Abuja and ensure others get less than 25% in Abuja.

Blame the mistake or ignorance of those who drafted the constitution. They should have or instead of and. The two words have different interpretations.

Tntsi:


My friend read the constituon. What it says is supreme to what you think. If you don't like what it says ,go to togo or benin republic

Why don't you calm down yourself.

You claim Tinubu didn't win because he didn't have up to 25% in Abuja

What did the Constitution say when this kind of scenerio plays out? Or are you just too shallow to answer the question

You claim say Tinubu no win because he didn't have up to 25% in Abuja even though he had the highest numbers of votes and have more than 25% in more than 2/3rd of the State

What did the Constitution say should happen when this kind of scenerio plays out?

Tntsi:


The constitution is supreme.
You and I know it is impossible to win all the 36 states. Are u the only candidate?

What does it say about who wins the FCT but loses in as many states.

AntiTerrorist:
Blame the mistake or ignorance of those who drafted the constitution. They should have or instead of and. The two words have different interpretations.

I think it's clear enough though..

"and" was used in the constitution election scenario as a "dependent clause".

If 25 % of Abuja was required, it would have been an "independent clause".

AntiTerrorist:
You didn't read the comment you quoted. The answer to your question is in the last paragraph.

"It is simple. Winning the FCT is not mandatory. It is optional. But getting a 25% is MANDATORY."

So what did the constitution say should happen when a candidate with the highest number of votes and also have more than 25% in 30 State do not have up to 25% in Abuja?

Throwback:
Foolish logic.

Nigeria is composed of 36 States and FCT as a totality.

Securing minimum of 25% in 2/3 of Nigeria is equal to 2/3 of 36 States and FCT.

FCT has to be called separately since it is not a state, but it is part of Nigeria from which the 2/3 must be met.

Your logic is only right if there was a comma sign (,) before the AND, them it would mean the rule applies to 36 States and separately applies to FCT.

Without the comma sign the rule applies to the totality of Nigeria, and Nigeria is composed of 36 States and FCT.

There was no OR intended, and FCT is not also separate from the totality of Nigeria as the catchment area.

Even a primary school pupil knows that since 1996 when the last 6 states were created, Nigeria is defined as being composed of 36 States and FCT.

Did Tinubu score 25% or more beyond 2/3 of the components of Nigeria that serve as the catchment area, which is 36 States and FCT?

Yes he did with 30 States, remaining only 6 States and FCT.

Case closed!

Wrong. A comma before AND is an Oxford comma. Oxford commas are simply for fancy. Whether you put a comma or not, the conjunction AND satisfies the function. AND is the conjunction, not the comma.

Also Nigeria is a big man country. Our law givers always like inputing the maths and English credits clause in most of our laws. They borrowed this thinking from the British: the masters of class and levels.

Parachoko:
So what did the Constitution say about a candidate who win in the 36 State but lost in the FCT? What did the constitution say should happen when a scenerio like that plays out?

The constitution does not say anything about this but by reasoning, you and I know this scenario is not possible. More over, it is not compulsory to win in FCT. 25% in FCT is the bone of contention here.

raskymonojendor:

I think it's clear enough though..

"and" was used in the constitution election scenario as a "dependent clause".

If 25 % of Abuja was required, it would have been an "independent clause".

Gbam.

2. He/she must secure not less than 25% of votes cast in at least two-thirds of all the States of the federation and FCT.

FCT in the above is dependent on the rest of the sentence.

If it was independent, it would have been two seperate sentences that can stand alone.

explanation:

A.
2. 25% requirement in 2/3 of states, and 25% in FCT.

Two independent clauses joined together by "comma" & "and".

B.
The constitution is instead written as
2. 25% requirement in 2/3 of states and in FCT.

One independent clause and one dependent clause joined together by "and".

ganisucks:


Wrong. A comma before AND is an Oxford comma. Oxford commas are simply for fancy. Whether you put a comma or not, the conjunction AND satisfies the function. AND is the conjunction, not the comma.

Also Nigeria is a big man country. Our law givers always like inputing the maths and English credits clause in most of our laws. They borrowed this thinking from the British: the masters of class and levels.

Throwback just like his fellows are irredeemable. No amount of understanding can give him a iota of understanding. It's deliberate.

iSense247:
The constitution does not say anything about this

The scenerio I painted is almost the same with the outcome of the 2023 Presidential Election.

Asiwaju have the highest number of votes in the 2023 Presidential Election

Asiwaju have more than 25% of the votes in 31 State in the 2023 Presidential Election

But Asiwaju didn't have up to 25% of the votes in Abuja


Now you claim the constitution didn't say anything when such a scenerio plays out, that means Abuja is seen as one of the States.

A candidate does not need to have up to 25% in Abuja before he or she will be declared the winner of the election

iSense247:
I never understood the much difference between the use of two important conjunctions i.e. AND & OR until I reflected on what I have been teaching my students in Logic, Probability and Concord classes. Today I want to use my knowledge of Logic to prove that it is mandatory for a presidential candidate to win one-quarter of votes in FCT before he/she could be declared winner. So as to make my explanation short, simple and straightforward, I would be using Probability and Concord for further explanation at a later time.

Firstly, what does the constitution says:
There are two (2) conditions for determining a winner of a presidential election:

1. A presidential candidate must secure the highest number of votes cast at the election

2. He/she must secure not less than 25% of votes cast in at least two-thirds of all the States of the federation and FCT.

The main cause of argument is at the bolded (and).

In Logical Reasoning, AND & OR are not synonymous. These two words have distinct meaning. While AND is a CONJUNCTION, OR is a DISJUNCTION.

In set notation the intersection of two substatements represent the conjunction of every statement. A conjunction is true only if both of the substatements are true.

True + True = True
True + False = False
False +True = False
False + False = False

Also, in set notation the union of two substatements represent the disnjunction of every substatement. A disnjunction is true if either of its substatements is true or if they are both true (it is only false if they are both false.

True + True = True
True + False = True
False + True = True
False + False = False

My thought

The second electoral criteria above consists of two substatements separated by "and." For the whole statement to be true (fulfilled), the two substatements must be fulfilled.

I think those who drafted the constitution intended to use OR but mistakenly use AND out of ignorance. Their motive was to use OR instead of AND after all the people living in Abuja are not more special than the people living in other parts of the country. So the only condition by which Tinubu can win this argument in court is if the supreme court judges decide to help him out by looking at "technicalities'' instead of what Nigeria Constitution actually says.

In conclusion, to be declared Presidential winner, a candidate must secure at least 1/4th (25%) of votes cast in 2/3rd of the entire 36 States of Nigeria (that is in 24 states). Also, the candidate must also secure not less than 25% of the votes cast at the FCT.

Mum agbado !! Druggy will never rule us. Y

floret23:
He/she must secure not less than 25% of votes cast in at least two-thirds of all the States of the federation and FCT

He/she must secure not less than 25% of votes cast in at least two-thirds of all the States of the federation or FCT

The two statements above are not the same. And means all conditions must be fulfilled. Or mean one condition is to be fulfilled. Tribunal should not result in "technicalities'' this time around. Let common sense prevail.

common sense you say? when you know is not commonsensical correct

Do you think people in Abj are better than us? In law , everybody is equal except you want to be blinded with the truth

Tntsi:
It's very simple. Unfortunately criminally minded people try to twist it for their criminal purposes.
The drafters of the constitution did not have anybody in mind when the constitution was drafted. It is what it is.
These matters have been brought before the supreme court of Nigria in 2003 and 2008. And the lordship ruled just as it is in the constitution.
It is simple. If you will be president of Nigeria, winning the FCT is not mandatory. It is optional. But getting a 25% of votes in the FCT is MANDATORY

Thanks for the explanation. The mathematical interpretation of the provision of the constitution on this requirement is as stated below:

2/3 ( 36 states + FCT)

= 2/3 * 37 states
= 74/3 states
= 24 . 667 states
= 25 states ( approximately)

As illustrated above, the use of the word AND in the constitution, with regard to this requirement, means PLUS. It does not mean OR , or separate the FCT for any special requirement.
Therefore, it’s not compulsory to score 25% in the FCT

Paramount01:




common sense you say? when you know is not commonsensical correct

Do you think people in Abj are better than us? In law , everybody is equal except you want to be blinded with the truth

That's what the constitution says. If you are asked to call Shade and Bola, would you call only Shade but not Bola? If you call only Shade, would you have followed the instruction like that?

The irregularities in the elections like forged results in states like Rivers, Edo, Imo, Ekiti etc are what the Obi's legal team should focus on. APC's figures were hiked especially in areas they weren't supposed to do well, not FCT 25%.
So, if I say pick 4 colours from:
Blue, Red, Yellow, Green, Grey, Purple, Indigo and Pink.
You will say the "and" means Pink must automatically be selected?

The constitution makes it clear that all votes in all parts of the country are equal and no vote in any part of the country has a special status.

The "and" you're trying to generate wind about is simply the word joining the FCT with states when we want to call them together; 36 states and the FCT.

Everyday we hear in the news stuff like "Fertilisers will be distributed to farmers in the 36 states and the FCT"... It simply means the farmer in FCT will receive the same fertiliser his counterpart in Abia will receive.
Lets stop this tomfoolery abeg.
This FCT business is making them look stupid.