The Supreme Court has delivered a significant ruling today, rejecting the fresh evidence presented by the People Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar against President Bola Tinubu.
In a bid to substantiate his allegations of forgery against the President, Mr. Atiku had successfully obtained the original certificate of Mr. Tinubu from the esteemed Chicago State University (CSU). However, Justice Inyang Okoro, in his ruling on the motion, stated that the apex court lacked jurisdiction to admit any fresh evidence in the appeal of the tribunal’s judgment.
Justice Okoro specifically pointed out that none of the seven issues presented by Mr. Atiku for consideration related or covered forgery, which was the basis of the appellant’s attempt to introduce new evidence. He firmly emphasized that the Constitution prohibits such actions and the court, therefore, has no authority to grant the filing of new evidence that was not originally pleaded at the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal (PEPT).
Furthermore, the Supreme Court highlighted that Mr. Atiku failed to make amendments to his pleadings or seek an extension of time since the constitutional period of 180 days, starting from September 17, 2023, had already elapsed.
In his motion dated October 5th, Mr. Atiku specifically implored the apex court to allow him to introduce additional evidence in the form of depositions on oath from the Chicago State University. The evidence comprised a certified discovery deposition made by Caleb Westberg on behalf of Chicago State University on October 3, 2023, which disclaimed the certificate submitted by the second respondent, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
It is worth noting that the 32-page deposition was released to the former Vice President upon the orders of Judge Nancy Maldonado of the District Court of Illinois, Eastern Division, in the United States of America.
As the nation eagerly awaited the outcome of this case, the Supreme Court’s decision ultimately strengthens the position of President Bola Tinubu with respect to the allegations of forgery made against him by the opposition party. It also underscores the significance of adhering to the prescribed legal processes and timelines, ensuring that justice is served.
NAN
