Supreme Court has reserved judgment in the appeal filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flag bearer in the February 25 presidential election, Atiku Abubakar, challenging the victory of President Bola Tinubu
By Emma Ogbuehi
The Supreme Court has reserved judgment in the appeal filed by flag bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, challenging the victory of President Bola Tinubu in the February 25 presidential election.
A seven-member panel of the Supreme Court reserved judgment after parties in the appeal adopted their respective briefs of arguments on Monday.
The seven-member include John Okoro, Uwani Abba-Aji, Lawal Garba, Ibrahim Saulawa, Adamu Jauro, Tijjani Abubakar and Emmanuel Agim.
Atiku who contested the election under the Peoples Democratic Party is seeking the nullification of Tinubu’s election at the apex court.
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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared President Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) winner of February election but his opponents went to court.
The Presidential Election Petition Tribunal had struck out the appeals of Atiku and Peter Obi of Labour Party, but they headed for the apex court, with Atiku asking to filed extra evidence against Tinubu on alleged forgery.
Atiku had sought Tinubu’s academic record from Chicago State University so as to prove his allegation that the president submitted forged documents to INEC.
However, by the times the documents were released the 180 days statutory period within which an election petition should be filed and determined had elapsed.
But Atiku asked the court to grant his appeal to tender fresh evidence, given the nature of the issue. Tinubu kicked against this, saying granting such would amount to abuse of court process.
Atiku predicated his plea on the grounds that presenting forged documents by any candidate, especially by one for the highest office in the land, is a grave constitutional issue that must not be encouraged.
But Tinubu kicked, arguing that the issue is a pre-election matter amongst others and subsequently prayed the court to deny the grant of the application.
While faulting Tinubu, Atiku submitted that issues of merit ought not to be determined or pronounced upon at the interlocutory stage.
Atiku also pointed out that the presentation of a forged certificate disqualifies a candidate for all time, no matter when presented.