Supreme Court Hears Arguments on President Tinubu’s Certificate in Election Challenge

In a significant legal battle concerning the eligibility of President Bola Tinubu, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Supreme Court of Nigeria is currently deliberating on whether to admit a certificate from Chicago State University (CSU) into evidence.

The certificate in question was released to the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar. The contentious proceedings revolve around the 2023 presidential election and allegations regarding President Tinubu’s educational qualifications.

President Tinubu and the other parties involved have presented their arguments to the Supreme Court, asserting that Atiku did not meet the necessary conditions for the court to admit the CSU certificate as evidence. Central to the case is the question of President Tinubu’s qualification and eligibility to participate in the 2023 presidential election, as declared by INEC.

Atiku and the Labour Party (LP) are contesting INEC’s declaration of President Tinubu as the valid winner of the election. They argue that President Tinubu did not secure the majority of valid votes cast during the election. Moreover, Atiku seeks to introduce fresh evidence from CSU that he claims would demonstrate that President Tinubu submitted a forged certificate to INEC. Atiku’s legal team argues that the issue is of great significance and that the Supreme Court should prioritize substantial justice over technicalities.

However, President Tinubu’s legal representatives assert that the evidence presented by Atiku was obtained in a private law chamber in the United States and is not admissible under the US legal system. They also contend that the 180-day period allowed for hearing the petition has lapsed and that Atiku should have included INEC as an interested party in the US proceedings.

The case has raised questions about the authenticity of the CSU certificate and whether the Supreme Court will accept it as valid evidence. Additionally, the case carries significant implications for the outcome of the 2023 presidential election and the continued political career of President Tinubu.

INEC and the APC also urged the court to reject Atiku’s plea to admit the CSU certificate, citing the expiration of the time frame for hearing the petition and the failure to follow proper legal procedures.

The Supreme Court panel, led by Justice Inyang Okoro, has reserved its judgment on the appeals, and a date for the judgment will be communicated to the parties.

• Supreme Court Sets a Date to Hear Atiku’s Petition Against Tinubu
• Atiku to File Fresh Evidence in Challenge Against Tinubu’s Presidency
• Lagos Court Rejects Bail Application of Eze Ndigbo, Nwajagu, Over Alleged Terrorism
• Tribunal Dismisses Claims of Tinubu’s Drug Conviction
• Enugu State Governor Disputes Allegations, Defends Credentials in Election Tribunal

In a related development, the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) withdrew its appeal against President Tinubu, following the dismissal of the case as frivolous by the Supreme Court panel.

While the legal battle continues, it remains to be seen how the Supreme Court will rule on this high-stakes case, with potential far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s political landscape. The court’s decision will undoubtedly be closely watched by all parties involved and the Nigerian public.

As the proceedings unfold, [Your News Outlet] will provide updates on this pivotal legal battle, shedding light on the complex legal arguments and the potential consequences for Nigeria’s political future.