In a riveting legal development, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, is currently making a fervent plea to the Supreme Court to accept fresh evidence.
He urges the highest court in the land to allow him to present new and compelling evidence to support his claim that President Bola Tinubu forged documents submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Atiku underscores that the presentation of forged documents by any candidate is a matter of grave constitutional concern, one that demands strict scrutiny. This critical revelation is found in Atiku’s legal response to Tinubu’s objection against granting permission for the presentation of fresh evidence before the apex court.
“Presenting forged documents by any candidate, especially one vying for the highest office in the land, is a very grave constitutional issue that must not be taken lightly,” he asserts.
Recall that President Tinubu had earlier characterised Atiku’s petition against the February 25 election as a dramatic blockbuster filled with suspense and intrigue.
Tinubu urged the Supreme Court to dismiss the appeal, contesting the judgement of the Presidential Election Petitions Court delivered on September 6.
However, Atiku, in his response on the point of law, implores the court to set aside technicalities and grant his application. He argues that the issue of merit should not be prematurely determined at this interlocutory stage.
Denying the leave, as the respondents argue, would be an undue focus on technicalities over justice. Atiku cites legal precedents to emphasize the court’s duty to ensure substantial justice, highlighting cases such as AMAECHI vs. INEC, 2008, and OBI vs. INEC, 2007, where the Supreme Court intervened to uphold justice in matters of great constitutional importance.
He underscores the gravity of the issue at hand, which revolves around determining whether a candidate for the nation’s highest office presents a forged certificate.
“In urging the Honourable Court to overrule the objections of the Respondents, we can do no better than to commend to your noble Lordships the insightful words of the Supreme Court in ASSAH & ORS V. KARA & ORS,”
he states, emphasizing the court’s role in ensuring substantial justice. Atiku clarifies that his position is not centred on whether Tinubu attended Chicago State University but rather on the assertion that Tinubu submitted a forged certificate to INEC.
He points out that during the trial, a National Youth Service Corps certificate presented by Tinubu is tendered as “EXHIBIT PBD 1A” with the name Tinubu Bola Adekunle, emphasizing the gravity of the allegation.
Additionally, Atiku dismisses Tinubu’s claim that he is inconsistent with his name, deeming it immaterial and trivial in the context of this significant legal battle.
