ABUJA, Nigeria — Despite the imminent inauguration of the president-elect, Bola Tinubu, Atiku Abubakar, the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, presidential candidate, remains steadfast in his commitment to challenge the controversial election results.
Tinubu, of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, was declared the winner of the contentious presidential election on February 25, 2023.
However, Abubakar, a former vice president, is confident that he will reclaim his mandate through the court process, unfazed by the fact that Tinubu will officially assume office on May 29, even before the conclusion of petitions seeking to nullify Tinubu’s victory.
Abubakar expressed his stance through his lead counsel, Chief Chris Uche, SAN, after a session at the Presidential Election Petition Court, PEPC, in Abuja on Tuesday, May 23, 2023.
The court had consolidated his petition with the ones filed by Peter Obi, candidate of the Labour Party, and the Allied People’s Movement, APM.
“The court has the powers to sack Tinubu from office, even after the swearing-in ceremony,” Abubakar affirmed.
The hearing on the consolidated petitions is slated to begin on May 30, 2023, a day after Tinubu’s inauguration as president.
Responding to questions about the timing, Abubakar stated, “I have been asked about May 29, 2023. I want to assure people that the swearing-in is only a ceremony that does not in any way tie the hands of the court.
The taking of an oath binds the person who takes the oath and not the court.”
Uche echoed his client’s sentiments, affirming their hope for a swift resolution. “The court has given you its timelines for parties to present their case.
We are happy that with the development, the petitions will be expeditiously determined.”
The stage is set for a landmark legal showdown as Abubakar continues to challenge the validity of the election results, raising substantial questions about the strength of Nigeria’s democratic processes and the sanctity of the voting system.
