The Supreme Court has made an important decision by reserving judgment on the petition filed by Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Atiku is seeking to overturn the declaration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the winner of the 2023 presidential election.
Justice John Inyang Okoro, heading a panel of seven Justices of the Court, announced the reservation of the final judgment after listening to arguments from lawyers in the case. This means that the judgment date will be communicated to the parties involved at a later time.
In the meantime, Atiku Abubakar reiterated at the Supreme Court on Monday that President Bola Tinubu must be disqualified from the 2023 presidential election. Atiku firmly believes that Tinubu was not constitutionally qualified to stand for the election at the time he did.
Atiku’s lead counsel, Chris Uche SAN, urged the apex court to invoke the provisions of the Constitution and annul Tinubu’s election. Allegations of certificate forgery and lying under oath formed the basis of Atiku’s request for Tinubu’s disqualification.
If outright disqualification is not granted, Atiku appealed to the panel led by Justice John Inyang Okoro to order a rerun between him and Tinubu.
On the other hand, Tinubu’s lead counsel, Wole Olanipekun SAN, urged the court to dismiss Atiku’s allegations of certificate forgery and lying under oath. Olanipekun argued that Atiku’s claims lack substantiation and should not hold any weight until proven beyond reasonable doubt, as required by law.
In addition, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), represented by Abubakar Mahmoud SAN, argued that Atiku’s petition lacks merit and should be thrown out.
The All Progressives Congress (APC), led by Chief Akin Olujinmi SAN, also supported Olanipekun’s position and called for the dismissal of Atiku’s petition.
This case has significant implications for Nigerian politics and the forthcoming 2023 presidential election. The Supreme Court’s judgment, when it is delivered, will determine the fate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the 2023 presidential election winner.
