The Supreme Court is set to embark on a landmark legal battle today, with appeals brought forward by key opposition figures, Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Peter Obi of the Labour Party, and the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), challenging the legitimacy of President Bola Tinubu’s tenure within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
These appeals, originating from the keenly contested February 25th presidential election, have the potential to reshape the country’s political landscape. Atiku Abubakar, the PDP’s presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi of the Labour Party, and the APM have filed separate petitions before the apex court, each seeking to invalidate the election of President Tinubu.
The Supreme Court formally communicated the hearing date through notices dispatched to all involved parties late last Thursday, signaling the start of a highly-anticipated legal spectacle.
The crux of these appeals stems from the disputable verdict delivered by the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC), which confirmed President Tinubu’s election victory. Atiku Abubakar, in particular, is not only challenging the PEPC’s decision but has also applied for permission to introduce a significant piece of evidence into the proceedings – a copy of President Tinubu’s academic records issued by Chicago State University (CSU) in the United States.
Atiku contends that the records clearly establish that President Tinubu submitted a forged CSU certificate to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), thereby potentially undermining the validity of his election.
In a bid to strengthen his case further, the former Vice President is also seeking to obtain an order from a Washington, D.C. court to compel the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to release documents related to President Tinubu’s alleged $460,000 forfeiture case, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing legal saga.
All the appellants, Atiku Abubakar, Mr. Peter Obi, and APM, are fervently praying for the Supreme Court to set aside the judgment of the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC), which affirmed President Tinubu’s status as the valid winner of the February 25th presidential election under the banner of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
As this legal battle unfolds in the nation’s highest court, the eyes of the nation are fixed on the proceedings, with the potential to reshape the country’s political landscape and set significant precedents for future electoral disputes.
LatestNaija.news will provide comprehensive coverage of the hearings as they develop, ensuring our readers are kept abreast of every crucial detail in this pivotal case.
