Fresh Evidence Not-Statute Barred Atiku Abubakar Replies INEC, Tinubu and APC
In a legal battle that has gripped the nation, former presidential candidate Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has issued a strong statement urging the Supreme Court to consider fresh evidence in the case against President Bola Tinubu. Atiku’s move comes ahead of the Supreme Court’s hearing on appeals seeking to remove President Tinubu from office. The controversy centers around documents Atiku obtained from the Chicago State University (CSU) in the United States, allegedly proving Tinubu’s ineligibility and involvement in certificate forgery.
In a comprehensive response to objections raised by Tinubu, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the All Progressives Congress (APC), Atiku emphasized the critical importance of the documents he intends to present. Atiku’s legal team, led by Chief Chris Uche, SAN, argued that there was no constitutional limit of 180 days for the Supreme Court to hear and determine a presidential election petition. Atiku contended that the Constitution supersedes any other legislation and clearly grants the jurisdiction to entertain disputes from presidential elections to the Court of Appeal, excluding the Court of Appeal from the 180-day limitation applied to election tribunals.
Uche pointed out that Section 285(6) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, limited the 180-day rule specifically to election tribunals and excluded the Court of Appeal. He cited Section 233(1) and (2)(e)(i) of the Constitution, emphasizing the Supreme Court’s jurisdiction to hear appeals from the Court of Appeal, further underlining the validity of Atiku’s evidence.
Atiku’s case revolves around the alleged presentation of a forged certificate by Tinubu to INEC. He stressed that the crucial question was not whether Tinubu attended the CSU but whether he presented a forged certificate to INEC, citing specific exhibits to support his claim.
This legal battle has not only brought the constitutional intricacies of the case to the forefront but has also raised questions about the integrity of the electoral process. As the nation watches, the Supreme Court finds itself at the center of a legal showdown that could significantly impact the country’s political landscape. The decision the court makes will undoubtedly shape the future of the nation and the faith of the people in its democratic processes.
VOTP News will continue to closely monitor this case, providing updates as the situation develops. Stay tuned for further coverage on this critical legal battle that has captured the attention of the entire nation.
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