In a resounding and legally significant verdict that reverberated across the nation, the Supreme Court of Nigeria has unequivocally upheld the electoral triumph of President Bola Tinubu. In a unanimous judgment, the apex court decisively dismissed the appeals lodged by Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Mr. Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP), effectively laying to rest any doubts surrounding President Tinubu’s legitimacy as the nation’s leader. This landmark ruling serves as a reaffirmation of the September 6 verdict rendered by the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) and solidifies President Tinubu’s electoral mandate.

The distinguished justices comprising the seven-man panel of the Supreme Court, under the guidance of Justice Inyang Okoro, jointly delivered this historic judgment. The eminent justices who played a pivotal role in delivering this landmark decision include Inyang Okoro, Uwani Abba-Aji, Lawal Garba, Ibrahim Saulawa, Adamu Jauro, Abubakar Tijjani, and Emmanuel Akomaye Agim.

The Supreme Court’s judgment hinged on the resolution of seven critical issues, all of which were firmly decided in favor of President Tinubu:

1. INEC Compliance: The Supreme Court thoroughly examined the conduct of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during the election and concluded that INEC had substantially adhered to the provisions of the Electoral Act of 2022 and the Nigerian constitution.
2. Result Availability: In addressing the absence of election results on INEC’s IReV portal, the Supreme Court maintained that this factor alone did not constitute grounds for the nullification of the election results.
3. FCT Votes: The court’s verdict clearly stated that the failure to secure 25% of votes in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, did not, by any means, invalidate President Tinubu’s well-deserved election victory.
4. Allegations of Rigging: One of the central contentions raised by the petitioners pertained to allegations of electoral rigging against President Tinubu. However, the Supreme Court found that the petitioners could not provide substantial and compelling evidence to substantiate these allegations.
5. APC’s Double Nomination: The court’s deliberation regarding the All Progressives Congress (APC) nominating Vice President Kashim Shettima twice on May 26, 2023, had already been addressed and conclusively resolved.
6. Timing of Forfeiture: Notably, the issue of President Tinubu’s forfeiture of $460,000 in drug money was raised subsequent to the respondents having filed their legal processes. As such, the Supreme Court deemed it inappropriate to consider this matter as a valid point of contention.

7. The Supreme Court’s unequivocal decision resoundingly validates President Tinubu’s electoral victory and fortifies the integrity of the electoral process in Nigeria.

This historic judgment serves as a testament to the unwavering commitment to the rule of law and democratic principles within the nation. With this legal chapter firmly closed, President Tinubu continues his tenure as the legitimately elected leader, poised to address the challenges facing the nation and usher in a future of progress and prosperity.

Source: [Vanguard]