The Supreme Court has slated Monday for the hearing of the appeal brought before it by Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), contesting the judgment that validated the election of President Bola Tinubu.
According to reports, the court sent out hearing notices to the counsels representing the involved parties on Thursday, setting the stage for a pivotal legal showdown.
Abubakar, alongside the PDP, initially lodged a petition challenging the outcome of the February 25 presidential election, citing irregularities and significant non-compliance with the Electoral Act.
However, the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal dismissed these claims on September 6, citing a lack of evidence.
Dissatisfied with the tribunal’s verdict, the PDP candidate filed an appeal before the apex court on September 18, asserting that the tribunal’s decision was marred by “grave errors and gross misrepresentation” that ultimately led to a miscarriage of justice.
In an additional application, Atiku sought the court’s permission to introduce fresh evidence against Tinubu, specifically related to the latter’s academic records.
Abubakar alleged discrepancies and forgeries in Tinubu’s academic credentials, with the intention of presenting evidence obtained from the Chicago State University (CSU) before the Supreme Court.
Tinubu, on the other hand, dismissed the appeal as “abusive in nature” and called for its dismissal.
He also contested the application for the introduction of fresh evidence, stating that the allegation of certificate forgery was not initially included in Abubakar’s petition at the tribunal.
With the Supreme Court legally mandated to deliver its judgment within 60 days of the tribunal’s decision, the anticipated resolution of this appeal is expected to occur by November 5.
