Bola Tinubu’s lawyer, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, claimed in his final address at the presidential election petition tribunal that Tinubu scored 25% of the valid votes cast in 29 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
In a significant twist to the post-election proceedings, Bola Tinubu’s lawyer has made a bold claim regarding Tinubu’s performance in the 2023 election. According to the lawyer, Tinubu obtained 25% of the votes in 29 states across the country, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). This claim has raised eyebrows and ignited controversy, considering the officially declared results by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
During the 2023 election, the presidential race witnessed a competitive field with prominent candidates. Atiku Abubakar, representing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), secured 74,193 votes, accounting for 16.39% of the total votes. Bola Tinubu, running under the All Progressives Congress (APC), garnered 90,902 votes, which corresponded to 20.08% of the total votes. Peter Obi, the candidate of the Labour Party, received a substantial number of votes, amounting to 281,717, which accounted for an impressive 62.23% of the total votes in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
However, during the final address at the tribunal, Tinubu’s legal representatives presented an argument that contradicted the official results declared by INEC.
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They contended that Tinubu had actually secured 25% of the votes in 29 states and the FCT. This assertion directly challenges the figures announced by INEC on national television, casting doubt on the integrity of the electoral process.
FCT Abuja INEC official Results.
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peter Obi | Labour Party | 281,717 | 62.23% |
| Bola Tinubu | All Progressives Congress | 90,902 | 20.08% |
| Atiku Abubakar | Peoples Democratic Party | 74,193 | 16.39% |
| Others | – | 4,517 | 1.00% |
According to the Final Address of the 2nd & 3rd Respondents (BAT/Shettima)
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—BAT/Shett who are members of APC participated in the Presidential Election conducted by INEC and at the end of the freely contested elections, they won. They polled a total of 8,984,721 ahead of PDP who scored 6,984,520 and LP scored 6, 101,533
—BAT scored 25% in 29 states AND FCT while LP/Obi scored 25% in 16 states AND FCT and LP/Obi’s main grouse is that the results were not electronically transmitted to iREV
—LP/Obi queries the candidature of Shettima stating that he was senatorial candidate of APC in Borno Central Senatorial district
—And they are challenging the qualification of Tinubu to contest based on the forfeiture in the United States
—Before elections, LP instituted an action in Fed High Court Abuja against INEC (suit no FHC /ABJ/CS/1454/2022)
—In the suit, LP prayed that INEC should only declare results electronically transmitted but a judgment was delivered on Jan 23rd 2023 where the court dismissed LP’s claim
—Court stated that INEC is at liberty to prescribe the manner with which they transmit results according to the Electoral Act, Manual & Regulations
—LP did NOT appeal this judgement but continues to raise the issue in court
The claim made by Tinubu’s lawyers has sparked a heated debate within political circles on twitter. Many have questioned the basis for such a statement.
The allegations made by Tinubu’s legal team will undoubtedly be thoroughly examined by the tribunal, which will evaluate the evidence presented and make a fair and unbiased decision. The outcome of this legal process will have far-reaching implications, not only for the individuals involved but also for the broader democratic landscape of the nation.
As the public eagerly awaits the resolution of this controversy, it serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding transparency, accuracy, and trustworthiness in the electoral process. The credibility of the election results and the faith of the citizens in the democratic system hang in the balance, as the tribunal’s ruling will determine the legitimacy of the claims made by Tinubu’s lawyers and the overall integrity of the electoral outcome.
