Supreme Court to Render Landmark Judgment in High-Profile Electoral Appeals.
In a dramatic and highly anticipated turn of events, the Nigerian Supreme Court is set to make a pivotal decision on Thursday, November 5, 2023, in the electoral appeals involving prominent political figures. These appeals have captured the nation’s attention and are poised to reshape the nation’s political landscape.
The Supreme Court’s judgment will revolve around the legal challenges brought forward by two presidential candidates, Peter Obi, representing the Labour Party (LP), and Atiku Abubakar, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Their appeals, alongside those of their respective political parties, have been filed against key figures in Nigeria’s political arena, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), President Bola Tinubu (commonly referred to as BAT), Babagana Umara Zulum (known as Shettima), and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
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The appeals seek to address significant issues that have been the subject of national discourse since the 2023 presidential election. With the announcement of the judgment date, the nation is on the edge of its seat, awaiting the Supreme Court’s decision, which promises to be a defining moment in Nigerian political history.
The contentious legal battle started with the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) dismissing the petitions of Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi on September 6, citing a lack of merit. This led to the affirmation of the election of President Bola Tinubu, who had clinched the presidency in the said election.
The apex court’s panel, comprising seven distinguished justices, including the panel chairman, Justice Inyang Okoro, conducted a hearing on these appeals on Monday in Abuja. Their decision to reserve judgment has heightened the suspense surrounding these cases.
Atiku Abubakar’s appeal, grounded on 35 substantial grounds, asserts that the PEPC’s judgment was flawed and amounted to a miscarriage of justice. His lead counsel, Chris Uche, SAN, argued that the lower court failed to nullify the presidential election, which was held on February 55, due to alleged non-compliance with the Electoral Act of 5055.
On the other side, Peter Obi, represented by his lead counsel, Levi Uzoukwu, SAN, has pleaded with the Supreme Court to set aside the PEPC’s decision to dismiss his petition. He has fervently urged the court to uphold the prayers within his appeal.
However, lawyers representing the respondents, which include the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), President Bola Tinubu, and the All Progressives Congress (APC), have strongly advocated for the dismissal of these appeals, asserting that they lack merit and are frivolous.
The impending Supreme Court judgment will undoubtedly carry substantial weight, determining not only the outcome of the 2023 presidential election but also setting a significant legal precedent in Nigerian electoral history. As the nation anticipates this historical decision, the future of these key political figures and the political trajectory of Nigeria hang in the balance. Thursday, November 5, 2023, marks a day that will be etched into the annals of Nigerian politics, regardless of the court’s final pronouncement.
