The Supreme Court of Nigeria is currently poised to deliberate on the appeals filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, contesting the outcome of the February 25 presidential election. Atiku Abubakar is challenging the decision of the presidential election petitions court, which upheld the election of President Bola Tinubu. This crucial legal battle also extends to appeals submitted by the Labour Party and its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, as well as the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), all of whom are disputing the tribunal's judgment.
Justice Inyang Okorowo is presiding over the panel of justices responsible for reviewing these appeals, marking a significant juncture in this legal process. These appeals emerged following the verdict of the Presidential Election Petitions Court, which on September 6, rejected the cases filed by Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party, Peter Obi of the Labour Party, and the Allied People's Movement.
Atiku Abubakar has put forward 35 grounds of appeal, Peter Obi submitted 51, and the APM is raising a singular complaint against the lower court's decision. Notably, Atiku has introduced fresh evidence to the Court, based on the deposition of the Registrar of the Chicago State University, suggesting that Bola Tinubu presented a forged certificate from the university to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Tinubu's legal representatives have responded to this new piece of evidence with counter-arguments, contending that it was not raised during the initial trial and should not be admissible at this appellate stage. The panel of seven Justices, led by Justice Inyang Okoro, is overseeing this high-stakes legal battle, bringing their extensive experience to bear.
Noteworthy attendees at the courtroom include the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje. High-ranking figures from the PDP, including Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, and the Labour Party National Chairman, Julius Abure, are also present to witness these proceedings.
Security measures surrounding access to the Supreme Court have been considerably stringent, with multiple layers of security checks and barricades in place, both on the roads leading to the court and within the court premises themselves. The outcome of this hearing holds substantial implications for the political landscape in Nigeria, making it a case of nationwide interest and scrutiny.
