Atiku had urged the Supreme Court to admit fresh documents against President Bola Tinubu when the matter came last Monday.
By Jeffrey Agbo
The Supreme Court on Thursday has dismissed the application by the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, to file fresh evidence in his case against the February 25 electoral victory of President Bola Tinubu.
Leading the seven-member panel, Justice Iyang Okoro said the apex court lacked jurisdiction to admit fresh evidence in the appeal of the judgment of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal.
According to the court, the time fixed for tendering of evidence has passed and cannot be extended.
“The 180 days imposed for hearing of election petitions is immutable and cannot be extended,” the judge said.
Atiku had urged the Supreme Court to admit fresh documents against President Bola Tinubu when the matter came last Monday.
The court also said the motion by Atiku did not meet the criteria for admission of fresh evidence.
The apex court noted that the appellant failed to obtain fresh evidence for the trial even though the certificate was published over one year ago.
“The application is hereby refused and accordingly refused,” said Okoro.