President Bola Tinubu has petitioned the Supreme Court to reject the appeal lodged by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), challenging his triumph in the 2023 presidential election.
In his plea, the President labeled the appeal as abusive and sought its outright dismissal.
Tinubu firmly maintained that Atiku and his party failed to substantiate any of their allegations and arguments before the Tribunal. He contended that the tribunal’s decision was well-founded, affirming his legitimate election.
He implored the highest court to uphold the lower court’s ruling and dismiss the appeal in its entirety, emphasizing its lack of merit and authenticity.
Atiku and the PDP had filed a petition challenging the outcome of the presidential election which was held on February 25, 2023.
The petitioners, among several other issues raised, alleged that the election was marred with irregularities and substantial non-compliance with the Electoral Act.
They also alleged that Tinubu and his vice, Kashim Shettima, were not qualified to contest and did not win the election by the majority of lawful votes cast.
The Presidential Election Petition Tribunal, in its judgment on September 6, however, held that Atiku failed to prove all the averments in his petition.
The PDP candidate subsequently filed an appeal before the apex court on September 18, 2023.
In the 35 grounds notice of appeal, the appellants submitted that the Tribunal’s findings were done with “grave errors and gross misrepresentation” which resulted in a miscarriage of justice.
Consequently, the appellants are praying for the Supreme Court to set aside the entire findings and conclusions of the tribunal.
