ABUJA – In a recent development, the Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected a lawsuit filed by three individuals aimed at halting the inauguration of President-elect Bola Tinubu and his vice, Kashim Shettima. The plaintiffs alleged that Tinubu had falsified his age and citizenship status in the documents submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Justice James Omotosho, who presided over the case, delivered the ruling on Friday, deeming the lawsuit brought forth by Praise Ilemona Isaiah, Pastor Paul Isaac Audu, and Anongu Moses as baseless and an abuse of the court process.
Justice Omotosho stated that the plaintiffs lacked the legal standing, known as locus standi, to file the lawsuit. Furthermore, he highlighted that the court did not have jurisdiction to entertain the case since it pertained to a presidential election.
The dismissal of the suit is seen as a significant victory for President-elect Bola Tinubu, who is set to be inaugurated alongside his vice, Kashim Shettima, in the coming weeks. The court’s decision has effectively removed a potential legal obstacle to the inauguration.
Tinubu’s legal team expressed satisfaction with the court’s ruling, emphasizing that the lawsuit was a mere attempt to disrupt the democratic process. They asserted that the president-elect had fully complied with all legal requirements and had submitted accurate documentation to INEC.
While the dismissal of the suit has provided a respite for Tinubu and his vice, it remains to be seen how this development will impact the political landscape in the days leading up to the inauguration. As the nation eagerly anticipates the swearing-in ceremony, political analysts are closely observing any potential repercussions that may arise from this legal challenge.
