Supreme Court Dismisses Atiku Abubakar’s Fresh Evidence on Tinubu’s Certificate Forgery.
In a significant legal development, the Supreme Court of Nigeria, led by Justice Okoro Iyang, has dismissed Atiku Abubakar’s attempt to introduce fresh evidence regarding Bola Tinubu’s alleged Chicago State University (CSU) certificate forgery. The court cited technicalities as the basis for its decision.
Justice Okoro Iyang, in delivering the ruling, emphasized that the law did not permit the amendment of the evidence presented by the appellants. He questioned the intention behind using documents from Chicago State University and pointed out that the motion to introduce this evidence came after the 180-day period prescribed by law for election petition matters had expired.
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“This court cannot carry out what the lower court cannot do,” the judge declared, highlighting the limitations imposed by the law. The case’s importance is evident in the fact that the appellants sought to introduce evidence of substantial significance.
Referring to the Electoral Act of 2023, the judge stated, “After the expiration of the time of the petition, no amendment shall be made.” This underscored the legal restriction on amending petitions 21 days after filing.
The appellants argued against the 180-day limit, stating that there was no such constraint in Section 285 of the Constitution for matters heard by the lower court. The judge found this argument to be baseless and suggested that it was an unnecessary and unfair proposition to revert to previous laws.
Justice Okoro Iyang reiterated that the lower court was bound by Section 285(6) of the Constitution, which required cases to be proven within 180 days. Since this deadline had passed, the lower court had no jurisdiction. Consequently, the Supreme Court, as an appellate body, also lacked jurisdiction in this matter.
This decision sets a precedent emphasizing the need for strict adherence to legal procedures and timelines. It also highlights the judiciary’s commitment to upholding the rule of law in Nigeria, ensuring that legal processes are carried out in a fair and transparent manner.
The dismissal of Atiku Abubakar’s fresh evidence is expected to have a significant impact on the ongoing political and legal discourse in the country, and it raises questions about the strategies employed in addressing allegations of certificate forgery in the political landscape. As the case continues to evolve, it remains a subject of keen interest for both the legal community and the public at large.
