The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the February 25 election, Atiku Abubakar, has urged the Supreme Court to allow him to present fresh evidence supporting his claim that President Bola Tinubu submitted a forged document to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Atiku emphasized that the submission of forged documents by any candidate, particularly one vying for the highest office in the country, raises a serious constitutional concern that cannot be overlooked.
In response to Tinubu’s objection to the leave sought by Atiku to present new evidence, the former Vice President highlighted the gravity of the issue, stressing that technicalities should not overshadow the substantive matter at hand.
Atiku’s legal team obtained court orders in the United States, compelling Chicago State University to release Tinubu’s academic records.
Following their interpretation of the documents, Atiku and his legal team alleged that Tinubu forged the documents submitted to INEC.
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However, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and Tinubu’s camp dismissed these claims, asserting that Atiku’s efforts to gather evidence against Tinubu in the US were futile.
Tinubu’s lawyer also contended that the academic records obtained in the US would not be admissible at the Supreme Court in Nigeria.
In his response, Atiku called on the court to prioritize substantial justice over technicalities, emphasizing the critical constitutional issue at hand – whether a candidate for the presidency presented a forged certificate.
Atiku clarified that the pivotal concern was not whether Tinubu attended Chicago State University, but rather if Tinubu allegedly submitted a forged certificate to INEC.
The legal battle between Atiku and Tinubu continues to unfold, as both parties await a decision from the Supreme Court on the admissibility of the new evidence.
The case carries significant implications for the highest office in the nation, underscoring the importance of a thorough and just deliberation.
