Atiku, Obi, and APM's Petitions Against Tinubu Fail as Tribunal Upholds President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Victory

In a significant development in Nigerian politics on the 6th of September, the election petitions filed by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, his running mate Peter Obi, and the Alliance for Progressive Nigeria (APM) against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu have been dismissed by the election tribunal. This ruling has marked a significant turning point in the political landscape of Nigeria, sparking discussions and debates across the country. In this article, we will delve into the details surrounding the petition and the decision by the tribunal.

The Petitions

The 2023 presidential election in Nigeria was closely contested, with President Tinubu securing a narrow victory over his main rival, Atiku Abubakar. However, the election results were met with skepticism by Atiku, Obi, and their supporters, who alleged irregularities and malpractices in the electoral process. The APM, an opposition party, also filed a separate petition challenging the election results. These petitions included concerns about the candidate's qualification, the legality of the nomination of his running mate, voter suppression, electoral malpractices, and the threshold of the spread of votes to declare President Tinubu as the winner of the poll.

The Tribunal’s Decision

After hours of hearings, the election tribunal delivered its verdict, dismissing all petitions against President Tinubu. The Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT) rejected the LP and Peter Obi's allegations of rigging in favor of President Tinubu in the 2023 presidential election. The court ruled that they didn't provide credible evidence to prove corrupt practices during the election or identify the polling units where irregularities occurred. Additionally, Obi's claim of fictitious results recorded by INEC for Tinubu and the APC lacked proof.

The PEPT dismissed the allegation of President Tinubu's US drug trafficking conviction, ruling that the fine imposed on Tinubu was a civil matter, not criminal, and didn't disqualify him from the election. They found no evidence that Tinubu was indicted, tried, or convicted of any criminal offense in the USA. The American Embassy confirmed his clean record in a 2003 letter from the Inspector General of Police. Regarding INEC's failure to transmit presidential election results electronically in real-time on its result viewing portal, the tribunal clarified that there was no legal requirement for INEC to send results electronically. They stated that the Electoral Act 2022 did not provide for the electronic transmission of election results and that INEC had the discretion to determine the mode of transmission.

According to the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, a presidential candidate must secure a majority of votes in a presidential election and at least 25% in two-thirds of the 36 States and the FCT to be declared President of Nigeria. In the FCT, Peter Obi received 59% of the votes, President Tinubu got 19%, and Atiku Abubakar scored 15%. However, the PEPT clarified that obtaining 25% of votes in the FCT was not mandatory for victory, as it doesn't have special status compared to the other 36 states. The panel also deemed the case filed by the Allied Peoples Movement, APM, to invalidate President Tinubu's election as incompetent. The court ruled that the APM's issues pertained to pre-election matters, falling under the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court for resolution.

The Implications

With the tribunal's ruling in favor of President Tinubu, his triumph in the 2023 presidential election has received a resounding endorsement, further cementing his position as the legitimate leader of Nigeria. However, the LP and PDP are resolute in their rejection of the PEPT's verdict. The coming months may see increased legal battles and political maneuvers as both sides seek to assert their claims, emphasizing the importance of justice and the democratic process in Nigeria's evolving political landscape. The nation watches closely, anticipating the resolution of this contentious electoral dispute. We would like to hear your thoughts on the situation. What are your views on the Tribunal's ruling?

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