Supreme Court Judgement on Tinubu, Obi and Atiku Case: What You Need to Know

Supreme Court Judgement on Tinubu, Obi and Atiku Case: What You Need to Know

Supreme Court Judgement on Tinubu, Obi and Atiku Case: What You Need to Know

The Supreme Court of Nigeria has finally delivered its judgement on the appeals filed by the presidential candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, and the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, against the election of President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 presidential election. The apex court dismissed both appeals for lacking merit and affirmed Tinubu’s victory as the valid winner of the election. Here are some of the key points you need to know about this landmark ruling:

The Supreme Court heard and reserved its judgement on the two appeals on Monday, October 23, 2023, after parties in the matter adopted their final briefs of argument. The court communicated the judgement date to all the parties on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, through a notice that was signed by one of its registrars.

The seven-member panel of the court, led by Justice Inyang Okoro, delivered its judgement on Thursday, October 26, 2023, in a live broadcast that was watched by millions of Nigerians and other interested observers. The court upheld the unanimous decision of the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC), which had earlier dismissed the petitions of Atiku and Obi for failing to prove their allegations of electoral malpractice, irregularities, and non-compliance with the Electoral Act.

The court also rejected Atiku’s application to file fresh evidence from the Chicago State University against Tinubu’s academic qualification. The court held that the application was an abuse of court process and an attempt to overreach the respondents. The court further stated that Atiku failed to establish that Tinubu forged his certificate or lied about his educational background.

The court also dismissed the appeal of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), which had challenged the election of Tinubu on the grounds that he was not qualified to contest for the presidency. The court agreed with the respondents that the appeal was incompetent and lacked prayers for determination.

The court awarded costs of N10 million each against Atiku and Obi in favour of Tinubu, INEC, and APC. The court also awarded N5 million each against APM in favour of the same respondents.

The Supreme Court judgement has put an end to the legal battle that has been going on since February 25, 2023, when Tinubu was declared the winner of the presidential election by INEC. The judgement has also confirmed Tinubu’s legitimacy and mandate as the president of Nigeria for the next four years. The judgement has been hailed by many as a victory for democracy, rule of law, and justice in Nigeria.

However, not everyone is happy with the outcome of the case. Some supporters of Atiku and Obi have expressed their disappointment and dissatisfaction with the judgement. They have accused the court of being biased and influenced by political pressure. They have also vowed to continue their struggle for a better Nigeria through other means.

What do you think about the Supreme Court judgement? Do you agree or disagree with it? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comment section below.