…rejects Atiku’s attempt in submitting fresh evidence
…masses jubilate in Abuja
…Call, congratulate Tinubu, Keyamo tells Atiku, Obi
The Supreme Court has struck out the appeal of Peter Obi, Presidential Candidate of Labour Party in the February 25 election.
In its ruling on Thursday, the seven-member panel held that the issues canvassed by Obi were the same as that of Atiku Abubakar, Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), thus there was no need for a repeat.
Earlier, the court had struck out Atiku’s appeal for lack of merit.
Justice Inyang Okoro held that Atiku failed to prove that he won the election, stating that there was no alternative figure of votes to counter that validly declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The Supreme Court said it can’t manufacture votes in support of Atiku and PDP.
The apex court dismissed all the grounds of appeal of Atiku and PDP on qualification, non-compliance with the Electoral Act, the 25% votes in FCT, and electoral malpractices.
The court sat over Obi’s appeal for about five minutes.
Regarding Obi’s petition on double nomination of Vice-President Kashim Shettima, the court held that the issue had been dealt with in its ruling on 26th May 2023.
It held that it could not allow the matter to be relitigated.
“There must be an end to litigation. This matter ought not to have raised. This court has settled this matter when the petition was pending before PEPC. This appeal lacks merit and his hereby dismissed,” it held.
“It is our decision that this appeal shall abide with the decision in that of Atiku.”
All members of the panel of judges agreed that Obi’s petition was devoid of merit.
Tribunal slams Atiku on fresh CSU submission
The Supreme Court on Thursday rejected the attempt of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to submit fresh evidence to nullify the election of President Bola Tinubu.
Justice John Inyang Okoro, chairman of the 7-man panel, said Atiku’s attempt to bring fresh evidence on whether Tinubu has authentic diploma from the Chicago State University would elongate the judgement.
He then said this would return the country to the old dark days, adding that the apex court has no jurisdiction to accept fresh evidence.
“It will be unfortunate to go back to the dark old days when election petitions could be heard up to the point of expiration of the tenure of the person whose election was being challenged,” Justice Okoro said.
He said Atiku’s attempt to introduce fresh evidence to extend the time to adjudicate the case.
“Consequently, since the Presidential Election court has no jurisdiction to entertain fresh evidence, the Supreme Court has no jurisdiction to accept fresh evidence,” Justice Okoro added.
Masses jubilate in Abuja
Nigerians trooped out to the capital city of Abuja on Thursday to celebrate the victory of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Supreme Court today.
Many placard-carrying jubilant took over the stretch of road leading to the Supreme Court dancing and praising the judiciary for standing firm with the Nigerian people.
Various cultural troops were seen dancing along major roads around 3 Armed Zone, Eagle Square and the Federal Secretariat.
Call, congratulate Tinubu, Keyamo tells Atiku, Obi
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo has urged Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP) to call and congratulate President Bola Tinubu as true patriots.
Keyamo advised that nation-building should be at the front burner, urging citizens to close ranks in helping steer the country in the right direction.
He said: “By the judgment of the Supreme Court today, the laymen prowling all over social media can now clearly see that there is a wide chasm between emotions and law.
“These were Election Petitions pursued with unnecessary venom and hatred by most of those involved.
“Today, they have learnt a bitter lesson that such venom, hatred and sentiment have no place in judicial proceedings and deliberations. Their journey has come to a grinding end.
“We had consistently made the same points to the opposition, but they kept giving their supporters false hopes and goading them in the wrong direction.
“Unfortunately for them, all the vituperations poured out against the judiciary actually cut no ice with it. Our Justices are always firm, courageous, and cerebral. Kudos to them.
“What is now left is nation-building. The other Presidential candidates must now call President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and congratulate him as true patriots. We as patriotic citizens must also now close ranks to help steer our country in the right direction. I wish all of us well.”
