The verdict of the presidential election petition tribunal faced strong opposition from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
This contentious ruling occurred on a Wednesday when the tribunal dismissed a series of petitions lodged by the PDP and their candidate, Atiku Abubakar. These petitions had challenged the election victory of President Bola Tinubu, which took place on February 25.
In a unanimous decision, the panel of five justices, led by Haruna Tsammani, found that Abubakar had failed to substantiate his allegations of vote rigging and electoral irregularities.
The tribunal also ruled that Abubakar failed to prove that Tinubu should have been disqualified from contesting the election on account of a $460,000 forfeiture to the US government, after a Chicago court found that the money was the proceeds of heroin trafficking.
In a statement issued on Wednesday night, Debo Ologunagba, PDP spokesperson, said the party “unequivocally” rejects the judgment in “its entirety”.
“The judgement is against reason, against the facts and evidence presented in court, against the relevant Electoral Laws, Guidelines and Regulations as well as the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended),” the statement reads.
“Indeed, the judgment is generous in technicalities and very short in delivering substantial justice in the matter.”
Ologunagba said the PDP will have a “comprehensive review” of the judgment and decide on the next line of action within the ambit of the law.
The opposition party asked its supporters to remain calm and united “while efforts are on to ensure that the will of the people is restored”.
