- Growing tension as Supreme Court prepares to hear Atiku Abubakar’s motion on Tinubu’s alleged forged certificate
- PDP anticipates a favorable hearing, while APM urges the court to dismiss objections, highlighting concerns over competence of grounds of appeal
There is a growing tension as the Supreme Court prepares to hear a motion filed by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. The motion is intended to present fresh evidence to prove that President Bola Tinubu submitted a forged certificate to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as part of his qualification for the February 25, 2023 presidential election.
The Supreme Court, in a hearing notice issued to the parties involved in the appeal, has called for a hearing today to address whether it has the authority to grant the request.
In response to the session, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which Atiku represented in the election, expressed its anticipation of a favourable hearing at the apex court.
The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has also urged the Supreme Court to dismiss the objections raised by Tinubu and his deputy, Senator Kashim Shettima. The APM has filed an appeal seeking to overturn the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) judgment, arguing that it was incompetent and frivolous.
Lawyers representing the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will also address the court.
The motion has stirred debate over the competence of certain grounds of appeal, with the APM’s lead counsel highlighting perceived shortcomings in the notice of preliminary objection. He pointed out that the law requires a motion on notice to challenge the competence of specific grounds of appeal, not a notice of preliminary objection, as was filed by the 3rd and 4th respondents.
The APM’s notice of appeal, pending before the Supreme Court, seeks to set aside Tinubu’s return and declaration as the presidential election winner, alleging a violation of the constitution.
While commencing the hearing on the appeal, the PDP expressed hope that the Supreme Court would deliver justice, citing the need for the court to apply the laws and the Constitution in its judgment. The party emphasized the importance of the Supreme Court’s role as the last hope for justice, and Nigerians are optimistic that it will dispense substantial justice in the appeal.