The Supreme Court is gearing up to hear the appeal of presidential candidates Atiku Abubakar from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Peter Obi from the Labour Party. Both candidates filed an appeal on September 19, contesting the judgment of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal. They alleged non-compliance with the Electoral Act 2022 during the election and claimed that President Bola Tinubu was ineligible to run for the presidency.
However, the tribunal, led by Justice Haruna Tsammani, ruled unanimously that Atiku, Obi, and other petitioners failed to substantiate their claims of election irregularities, corrupt practices, and non-compliance with electoral guidelines.
A source within the Supreme Court, speaking anonymously, indicated that a panel for the appeal could be formed next week, though the exact date and composition of the panel remain uncertain. Concerns have been raised about a potential strike by the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress, scheduled to begin on October 3, which could impact the court’s proceedings.
Mike Ozekhome, a member of Atiku Abubakar’s legal team, expressed confidence that the strike would not affect the case, as election petitions are time-sensitive. Kehinde Edun, National Legal Adviser of the Labour Party, also hoped that the government would resolve the strike issue promptly and that the court would constitute a panel for the case.
The situation comes one month after the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal upheld President Bola Tinubu’s victory in the February 25 election. Atiku and Obi’s appeal, consisting of 86 grounds, seeks to challenge this decision. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the strike, many involved in the case remain committed to ensuring it proceeds without major disruptions.
It will be a waste of time