*Ganduje, Sanwo-Olu, Uzodinma hail judgement, congratulate Mr. President
The Supreme Court has dismissed the appeal filed by the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, against the electoral victory of President Bola Tinubu in the February 25 election.
The court described the petition as incompetent and lacking in merit.
Atiku had sought the nullification of the February of President Tinubu’s electoral victory over alleged irregularities and presentation of forged academic certificate by Tinubu.
Justice Inyang Okoro, who led the panel of Supreme Court Justices in determining the first issue in Atiku’s appeal, held that failure to transmit election results electronically did not affect the outcome of the election and could not warrant the nullification of presidential election.
The apex court also stated that Atiku did not produce alternative results of the presidential election that showed he won majority number of votes cast to rebuff the one declared by INEC.
The apex court, therefore, resolved all the seven issues distilled for determination in favour of Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), stating that the appeal lacked merit.
Also, the Supreme Court has said that it cannot accept the deposition of the Chicago State University (CSU) on the certificate obtained by President Bola Tinubu from the institution, which he presented to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to contest the 2023 presidential election.
The apex court rejected the Appellant’s Deposition, saying the 180-day timeframe is immutable and cannot be extended.
Supreme Court, therefore, refused to accept the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar’s fresh evidence to nullify President Tinubu’s election, saying it cannot invoke section 22 after expiration of 180 days.
The Supreme Court also said it cannot look into a matter not treated in the lower Courts nor allow the appellant to amend his case.
Consequently, the panel of the Supreme Court Justices led by Justice Inyang Okoro, said it lacks jurisdiction to hear Atiku Abubakar’s case.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma have hailed the Supreme Court judgement and have congratulated Mr. President.
Below is President Tinubu’s victory speech after Supreme Court verdict
IT IS TIME FOR US TO BUILD OUR GREAT NATION TOGETHER
I welcome the verdict of the Justice John I. Okoro-led Panel of the Supreme Court on the Presidential Election petitions filed by the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party and the Labour Party, challenging the ruling of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal.
The court has done justice to all issues put up for consideration in the petitions on the merits of the law, without fear or favour.
There is no doubt, with the profound judgment of today, that our electoral jurisprudence and constitutional democracy are further consolidated and embedded more indelibly in our national identity because of the diligence and undaunted professionalism of the Honourable Justices who presided over the matter.
While the verdict of today has laid to rest the agitating discourse over who truly won the 2023 Presidential election and met the constitutional requirements as laid out by law, I want to reiterate that my faith in our nation’s judiciary has never been shaken, not even for a moment, because I know that our hallowed courts of law will not fail to administer justice to all Nigerians in all matters and at all times. Despite the fusillade of pressure and attempts at intimidation by some political actors, the judiciary demonstrated its unequivocal commitment to upholding the rule of law for the upliftment and defense of humanity.
It was affirmed once more today, that my party, the governing All Progressives’ Congress, had freely and fairly won the popular mandate of Nigerians, which has since given rise to my leadership of this great nation at a tumultuous period of unprecedented reforms in our history as a nation.
With deep gratitude to God Almighty, I solemnly and humbly accept today’s judicial victory with an intense sense of responsibility and a burning desire to meet the great challenges confronting our people.
The victory of today has further energised and strengthened my commitment to continue to serve all Nigerians of all political persuasions, tribes, and faiths, with honour and total respect for the diverse opinions and uniting values of our citizens.
Our Renewed Hope agenda for a greater and prosperous Nigeria has further gained momentum and I will continue to work from morning to night, every single day, to build a country that meets our collective yearnings and aspirations.
We are all members of one household, and this moment demands that we continue to work and build our country together. The strength of our diversity and the great citizenship that binds us must now compel us forward in directing the energy of our people towards building a virile, stronger, united, and more prosperous country.
In the days and months ahead, I trust that the spirit of patriotism will be elevated into supporting our administration to improve the living conditions of Nigerians. I am prepared to welcome the contributions of all Nigerians to foster and strengthen our collective progress.
I send my immense gratitude to all Nigerians for the mandate to serve our country. I promise again to meet and exceed your expectations in service delivery and good governance, working with my team and trusting in the grace of God.
May God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu
President and Commander-in-Chief, Federal Republic of Nigeria
October 26, 2023
