In a new development, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Mr. Peter Obi from the Labour Party (LP) have submitted individual appeals to the Supreme Court. They both challenge the recent electoral win of President Bola Tinubu.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) announced Tinubu as the February 25 presidential election winner. However, Abubakar and Obi now push for the Supreme Court to reexamine the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) verdict that confirmed Tinubu’s victory.
At the heart of their challenges, the candidates point to irregularities. They claim Tinubu did not secure the required 25% of votes in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. They also maintain that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) did not electronically transmit the election results, which is standard procedure.
Vanguard reported that both candidates also argued that the PEPC overlooked their evidence, indicating election manipulation and breaches of the constitution and electoral guidelines.
Atiku’s legal team, led by Chief Chris Uche and comprising 67 lawyers, including 18 Senior Advocates of Nigeria, presented a 35-point appeal. Meanwhile, Obi’s lawyers, under the guidance of Dr. Livy Uzoukwu, filed a 51-point appeal.
Atiku stressed that the decision of Justice Haruna Tsammani’s panel to reject his previous petition didn’t consider the evidence he provided. He cited the election’s deviation from the Electoral Act 2022 and pointed out inconsistencies in the electronic transmission of results.
In contrast, Obi focused on the PEPC panel’s decision-making process. He believes they misjudged the evidence and ignored claims of vote irregularities. He also raised concerns about unclear results on INEC’s IReV portal and crucial evidence linked to Tinubu’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima.
The Labour Party expanded on its reasons for the appeal, pointing out flaws in the lower court’s ruling. They firmly believe that the evidence contradicts Tinubu’s proclaimed win.
With the legal proceedings gaining momentum, both the global community and Nigerian citizens are keenly observing the Supreme Court’s actions, anticipating a verdict that might redefine Nigeria’s political future.
