In a surprising twist of events, the Supreme Court of Nigeria has dismissed the application by Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to admit fresh evidence in his appeal against President Bola Tinubu. The court, in an almost lighthearted manner, referred to Atiku’s petition as nothing more than a “friendly joke,” firmly stating that it could not grant such a request.
The petition in question was Atiku’s plea for the court’s consideration of new evidence of forgery against Tinubu. Atiku argued that the matter held significant constitutional and democratic implications and urged the court to carefully review the evidence he had obtained: Tinubu’s academic records from Chicago State University (CSU), which were recently unearthed and subsequently handed over to him on October 2.
Atiku firmly believed that the fresh evidence was crucial to his appeal and maintained that the court possessed the inherent jurisdiction to entertain and decide on his application. However, the Supreme Court, remaining steadfast in its decision, emphasized that it had no jurisdiction to admit the new evidence as the time limit prescribed by the constitution had already elapsed.
Unsurprisingly, this development has sparked widespread interest and speculation, leaving Nigerians eagerly awaiting the conclusion of the ongoing judgment. This unprecedented twist adds another layer of intrigue and suspense to an already captivating legal battle.
As the case continues to unfold, it is evident that the Supreme Court’s decision will not only have legal ramifications but is also poised to shape the political landscape of Nigeria. Both Atiku’s supporters and opponents anxiously await the court’s final say, recognizing the gravity of its ruling in determining the country’s leadership.
With each passing moment, the anticipation grows, as Nigerians closely follow every twist and turn in this gripping legal saga. Will Atiku’s fresh evidence be the game-changer he hoped for, or will the Supreme Court’s dismissal affirm its position as the ultimate arbiter of justice?
