Supreme Court of Nigeria, [October 23rd, 2023]- A seven-member panel at Nigeria’s Supreme Court, led by Justice Inyang Okoro, recently convened to deliberate on two crucial appeals presented by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and their candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and the Labour Party (LP) represented by Peter Obi. These appeals challenge the ruling of the Presidential Election Petition Court that upheld Bola Tinubu’s election as Nigeria’s President.
In a significant development, the Supreme Court of Nigeria has deferred the judgment on these appeals to a later date, leaving the nation in anticipation.
Multiple Grounds for Atiku’s Appeal
Atiku Abubakar, Nigeria’s former Vice President, brought forward various grounds for his appeal. He argues that Bola Tinubu’s election was tainted by breaches of the electoral act, allegations of corrupt practices, concerns about Tinubu’s purported involvement in drug trafficking, and his failure to secure 25% of the votes in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), among other issues.
This appeal adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing legal battle that has persisted since the 2023 presidential election.
INEC, Tinubu, and APC Respond
On the opposing side, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), President Bola Tinubu, and the All Progressives Congress (APC) stand firmly by the initial verdict. Their legal representatives argue that Atiku’s appeal lacks merit and should be dismissed by the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
The legal tug-of-war between these two factions underscores the intricacies of Nigeria’s electoral process and the legal framework governing it.
Timely Resolution
The Supreme Court’s decision on these appeals holds significant implications for Nigeria’s political landscape. This appeal was filed within the stipulated 60-day period following the original judgment by the Presidential Election Petition Court on September 6, 2023.
This case has drawn the attention of political analysts, legal experts, and the general public, who are eager to witness how the apex court will interpret the intricate issues presented by both parties.
APM Withdraws Appeal
In a separate development, the Supreme Court of Nigeria swiftly addressed the case filed by the Allied People’s Movement (APM). The APM was one of three parties contesting the outcome of the 2023 Presidential Election, where Bola Tinubu emerged as the victor according to INEC.
The APM’s appeal aimed to disqualify Bola Tinubu on the grounds that his running mate, Kashim Shettima, was nominated twice. However, the Supreme Court dismissed the appeal after the APM’s counsel, Chukwuma Umeh, voluntarily withdrew it, having received guidance from the seven-member panel that the case lacked a legal foundation.
Supreme Court of Nigeria’s Stance on APM Appeal
The Supreme Court of Nigeria’s decision to reject the APM’s appeal was rooted in the fact that it essentially called for the court to overrule its prior judgments. This was due to the court’s previous ruling on a similar case of double nomination presented by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Justice Inyang Okoro, who led the panel, expressed concern that the APM was pursuing a matter that lacked a legal foundation. Granting the appeal would have necessitated the court to overturn its previous decisions. Furthermore, the court noted that the APM’s appeal was futile, as it did not seek to have its candidate declared the winner of the February 25 Presidential Election.
In conclusion, the Supreme Court’s pending judgment on the appeals presented by Atiku’s PDP and Peter Obi’s LP promises to be a momentous decision with significant implications for Nigeria’s political future. While the APM’s appeal was promptly dismissed, the nation awaits the apex court’s ruling on the contentious presidential election. The court’s decision will undoubtedly influence the political landscape and the interpretation of electoral laws in Nigeria for the foreseeable future.
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