By The petition filed by former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar against President-Elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu regarding the outcome of the February 25, 2023 presidential election has seen new developments.
Atiku has gathered a strong lineup of 100 witnesses to testify in support of his case. Meanwhile, the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal in Abuja has adjourned the hearing to May 22, 2023.
Atiku and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) are seeking to challenge the victory of Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) through their joint petition marked: CA/PEPC/05/2023. They are urging the court to withdraw the Certificate of Return issued to Tinubu by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Atiku argues that Tinubu’s victory was invalid due to non-compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022, and alleges corrupt practices. He is requesting that the court declares him the winner, as he secured the second-highest number of lawful votes cast.
During the proceedings, Atiku’s lead counsel, Chief Chris Uche, SAN, revealed that the 100 witnesses include experts and individuals summoned by the court to provide evidence. Uche expressed confidence that they may not require the full three weeks allotted for witness testimonies due to the narrowing issues.
On the other side, INEC stated that it would present only two witnesses, while Tinubu’s legal team, represented by Mr. Roland Otaro, SAN, intends to call 39 witnesses, with the possibility of additional individuals being subpoenaed. The APC, through Mr. Solomon Umoh, SAN, also expects to call 39 witnesses.
The adjournment of the case to May 22, 2023, was granted upon the request of the parties involved. This will allow them time to consult and consider Section 50 of the Electoral Act.
The hearing continues as both sides prepare their arguments and witness testimonies in this highly anticipated legal battle over the presidential election results.
