The Supreme Court on Thursday put an end to the long-standing legal battle over the outcome of the February 25 presidential election, upholding the victory of President Bola Tinubu.
The apex court, in its ruling, dismissed the appeals filed by the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, and his Labour Party (LP) counterpart, Peter Obi.
A seven-judge panel, led by Justice Inyang Okoro, deemed the claims made by the opposition as without merit, encompassing allegations of fraud, violations of electoral law, and questions regarding Tinubu’s eligibility to contest the presidency.
“In my view, there is no merit in the appeal and it is hereby dismissed,” Justice Okoro asserted, stressing the court’s affirmation of the second respondent’s position as the duly elected President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
While Obi’s appeal was addressed in a brief five-minute session, the court noted that the issue of double nomination of Vice-President Kashim Shettima had been previously addressed in a ruling on May 26. Justice Okoro emphasized the need to bring finality to litigation, stating, “There must be an end to litigation.”
The previous month, an election appeals court had already rejected the primary petitions of the two main opposition parties, dismissing allegations of fraud, violations by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and claims that Tinubu did not meet constitutional requirements.
In addition to its original contentions, Atiku’s legal team had sought to introduce new evidence, alleging that Tinubu had presented a forged certificate from Chicago State University to the election commission as a qualification for the presidency.
Under the agenda of “Renewed Hope,” President Tinubu assumed office in May, swiftly introducing reforms aimed at bolstering Africa’s largest economy and attracting increased foreign investment.
