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Category: Politics Lite

  • Supreme Court Dismisses APM’s Appeal Against Tinubu

    The Supreme Court, Monday, dismissed an appeal by the Allied People’s Movement (APM)seeking to disqualify President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress.  

    APM had asked the Supreme Court to hold that the Court of Appeal misconceived the material facts before it, when it struck out its undefended petition against Tinubu’s victory.

    It prayed the court to hold that the withdrawal of Kabiru Masari from the race by operation of law amounted to automatic withdrawal and invalidation of the candidate of Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the presidential candidate of All Progressive Congress in the February 25, presidential election. 

    In its brief of arguments, APM, through its counsel Chukwuma-Machukwu Ume (SAN), that the Court of Appeal wrongly and peremptorily struck out the petition. 

    It therefore prayed the apex court to set aside the decision of the lower court.

    APM also said the striking out of Kabiru Masari’s name from its petition and consequent dismissal of the petition on 6th September 2023, was in error, as Masari was a necessary party to the dispute.

    The Court of Appeal had dismissed APM’s petition based on pre hearing motions filed by INEC, APC and Shettima but only INEC tendered a document during the hearing while APC, Tinubu and Shettima and INEC did not call any witness.

    According to APM, “the grounds upon which it’s petition was predicated is that the 3rd respondent (Tinubu) was at the time of the election (February 25 2023) not qualified to contest the election in line with Section 134(1)(a) of the electoral Act, 2022.

    The party said it clearly stated in its paragraph 16 and 17 of the petition that it was against 3rd and 4th respondents (Tinubu and Shettima) respectively and  grounded on the provisions of Section 131 and 142 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and Section 35 of the Electoral Act,2022.

    The APM lawyer said the Court of Appeal misconceived the material facts and case of the appellant and wrongly progressed to determine issues not contemplated by the appellant’s petition and erroneously dismissed the petition.

    Hearing the appeal on Monday, effort by Machukwu Ume, to move the appeal was rejected by the panel, as doing so would amount to wasting of the precious time of the court.

    The presiding Justice, Inyang Okoro had insisted that the appeal be withdrawn since the issue had been decided. 

    “We have read your appeal and issues raised.  

    “You are not asking us to make your candidate the President if the your appeal succeeds. 

    “You just want to state the law and go home, without benefit. We have other appeals that are substantial and withdrawing this appeal will help reduce the workload on us. 

    “We have read the appeal and are unanimous that it’s a none issue, having been pronounced upon by this court” Justice Inyang Okoro said.

    Left with no option, the APM counsel hesitantly accepted withdrawal of the appeal.

    All the Respondents did not oppose the withdrawal and did not ask for cost. 

    Accordingly, the panel dismissed the APM appeal, same having been withdrawn.

  • APM Withdraws Appeal Challenging Tinubu’s Victory At Supreme Court

    APM Withdraws Appeal Challenging Tinubu’s Victory At Supreme Court

    The Allied Peoples Movement, (APM) Monday, withdrawn the appeal instituted at the Supreme Court to nullify President Bola Tinubu’s election victory.

    In the appeal, the party is contesting that Tinubu’s running mate and Vice President, Kashim Shettima, was nominated twice for different positions by the All Progressives Congress, APC, in relation to the 2023 general elections.

    APM had in its 10-ground of appeal, maintained its position that Tinubu was not eligible to participate in the presidential poll that held on February 25.

    However, at the hearing, 

    Counsel to the party Mr. Chukwuma Machukwu Ume, SAN, withdrew the matter shortly after it was called up for hearing.

    A seven-member panel of the apex court, led by Justice Inyang Okoro, berated the party for filing an appeal the appeal for trying to over labour the court.

    According to the panel, APM appeal is a total waste of time and amount to an academic exercise since the party only wanted the apex court to “state the law.”

    “If we are idle, then maybe we will state the law. If there is nothing for you to gain from an appeal, you don’t just come to court for interpretation.

    “If for instance that you win a case, there must be something to be gained from the victory. We have read your appeal, there is absolutely nothing in it. You are not asking for your candidate to declared winner or anything of such, all you want is for the President to be removed.

    “If we remove the President, then what next? There are two other appeals here that are asking for something substantial,” Justice Okoro held.

    Also reacting to the appeal, Justice Emmanuel Agim, noted that issues the APM raised in its appeal, was previously decided by the Supreme Court.

    “We are not bound to hear every appeal. What you are asking us is to overrule ourselves. Did you not read our decision on the issue of double nomination.” 

    Consequently, Ume, SAN, withdrew the appeal and it was accordingly struck out.

  • Supreme Court Reserves Judgment On Atiku, Obi’s Petition Against Tinubu

    The Supreme Court, will on a later date, give judgment on the appeal by the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP) against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    The petitioners are seeking to dismiss and set aside the September 6, judgement of the Presidential Election Petition Court, which affirmed the election of Bola Tinubu as President. 

    A 7-man panel of Justices led by John Okoro Inyang, after hearing the appeal,  said the date for judgment would be communicated to parties.

    Other Justices on the panel are: Uwani Abaji, Lawal Garba, Ibrahim Saulawa, Adamu Jauro, Tijani Abubakar, and Emma Agim. 

    At Monday’s sitting, Chief Chris Uche SAN, appeared for the Atiku, Levi Uzoukwu SAN for Obi and 

    Abubakar Mahmoud SAN announced appearance for the Independent National Electoral Commission (1st Respondent).

    Chief Wole Olanipekun SAN, represented the 2nd Respondent, President Bola Tinubu, while Chief Akin Olujimi SAN, announced legal representation for the All Progressives Congress (3rd Respondent).

    In a Notice of Appeal predicated on 35 grounds, Atiku told the apex court that the tribunal in the judgment delivered by Justice Haruna Tsammani erred on the side of law and miscarriage of justice in its findings and conclusion in the petition.

    He maintained that the Tribunal erred in law when it failed to nullify the presidential election held on February 25, 2023, on the grounds of non-compliance with the Electoral Act, 2022, when by the evidence before the tribunal, INEC conducted the election based on grave and gross misrepresentation contrary to the principles of the Electoral Act 2022, based on the “doctrine of legitimate expectation”.

    Obi on his part, wants the Apex Court to set aside the whole findings and conclusions of the Tribunal on the grounds that they did not represent the true picture of the grounds of his petition.

    Reacting, counsel to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Respondents respectively, urged the court to dismiss the appeal for want of merit and for being frivolous.

    Specifically, Tinubu’s lawyer, Wole Olanipekun SAN described Atiku’s appeal as abusive in nature and ask it to dismiss it.

    Tinubu urged the apex court to act in like manner of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT),

    by not only dismissing the appeal for lacking in merit and bona fide, but affirm his victory.

    Counsel to the INEC and APC also asked the panel to dismiss the appeal for want of merit.

  • Justice Okoro, 6 Others Hear Atiku’s Fresh Motion Against Tinubu

    Justice Inyang Okoro is leading a seven-man panel of Justices of the Supreme Court, currently hearing the motion filed by former Vice President and Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the February 25, election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, seeking leave to file fresh evidence against President Bola Tinubu.

    Atiku is seeking an order granting him leave “to produce and for the court to receive fresh and additional evidence by way of deposition on oath from the Chicago State University for use in this appeal to wit: the certified discovery deposition made by Caleb Westberg on behalf of Chicago State University on October 3, 2023, disclaiming the certificate presented by the 2nd respondent, Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the Independent National Electoral Commission.

    Other Justices on the 7-man panel are Uwani Abaji, Lawal Garba, Ibrahim Saulawa, Adamu Jauro, Tijani Abubakar, and Emma Agim. 

    At Monday’s sitting, Chief Chris Uche SAN, appeared for the appellants; Abubakar Mahmoud SAN announced appearance for the Independent National Electoral Commission (1st Respondent); Chief Wole Olanipekun SAN, represented the 2nd Respondent, President Bola Tinubu, while Chief Akin Olujimi SAN, announced legal representation for the All Progressives Congress (3rd Respondent).

    By the motion seeking permission dated 5th October and filed on the 6th,  Uche said, “We are praying for an order of leave to present fresh evidence on appeal pursuant to the powers of the Supreme Court, particularly the depositions on oath from the Chicago State University.

    Adumbrating after moving the motion, Atiku’s lawyer told the panel that Tinubu, APC and INEC are opposing the application “essentially on technical grounds, not pleaded and coming late. 

    Uched argued that the motion was akin to jurisdictional issue not minding when it was filed, adding that the apex court should side-step technicality and grant the request. 

    Uche insisted that the motion is a constitutional issue, adding that the issue of 180 days cannot tie the hands of the apex court as they can hear the motion.

    Reacting, the INEC lawyer said section 285 of the Constitution should be interpreted to accommodate the Court of Appeal as a Tribunal.

    On his part, Olanipekun asked the court to dismiss the “unsual application for lacking in merit.

    Tinubu’s Lawyer said the depositions Atiku is seeking to tender “are not admissible in USA. It is akin to depositions which we have here in Nigeria. The depositions were not done in a court.

    More so, Olanipekun said the Court of Appeal is a Tribunal based on relevant constitutional provisions, adding that “the 180 days is like a rock of Gibraltor, it cannot be moved, it’s sacrosanct”. 

    Reacting also, the lawyer to the APC, asked the court to reject the motion seeking leave to bring additional fresh evidence. 

    Details soon…….

  • Appeal Court Sacks Senate Minority Leader, Mwadkwon, Orders Rerun

    The Court of Appeal in Abuja, Sunday, nullified the election of the Senate Minority Leader, Simon Mwadkwon, in the February 25 senatorial election in the Plateau North Senatorial District.

    A three-member appeal panel ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to, within 90 days, conduct a fresh election in the senatorial district.

    This is a ruling on the appeal filed by Mr Chris Giwa of the All Progressives Congress and Mr Gyang Zi of the Labour Party.

    Giwa and Zi had appealed against the judgment of the election petitions tribunal in Jos, Plateau State which, affirmed Mwadkwon of the Peoples Democratic Party as the winner of the senatorial poll.

    The appellants had contended that Mwadkwon was not qualified to stand for an election as his party, the PDP, which nominated him during the election, had no structure to do so, having not complied with an earlier high court order for the party to conduct a proper state congress.

    Justice E. Daudu, who read the lead judgment of the appellate court, held that the high court order was not fully complied with by the PDP as 12 LGAs didn’t participate in the said congress.

    “The court made total findings with regard to the issue in focus. 

    “To avoid anarchy, I agree with the appellants that the court must protect an order of another court.

    “I agree with the appellant that the third respondent had no valid structure and could not have claimed to have validly nominated the second respondent (Mwadkwon) for the election.

     “Given the findings of this court, the appeal, therefore, succeeds as the court order was not complied with.

    “The first respondent is hereby ordered to conduct another senatorial election in Plateau North within 90 days,” the judge ruled.

     
  • Supreme Court Sets To Hear Atiku’s Appeal Against Tinubu October 23

    Supreme Court Sets To Hear Atiku’s Appeal Against Tinubu October 23

    The Supreme Court has scheduled a hearing for Monday, October 23, regarding the appeal filed by Alhaji Abubakar Atiku, the presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, against the election of President Bola Tinubu.

    It’s worth noting that on September 19, the PDP candidate lodged a 35-ground appeal challenging the verdict of the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal (PEPC) that upheld Tinubu’s victory.

    Earlier, a five-member panel led by Justice Hassan Tsammani had, on September 6, dismissed the petitions filed by Atiku and his Labour Party counterpart, Peter Obi, citing a lack of merit.

    Additionally, the former Vice President sought the Supreme Court’s permission to submit fresh evidence obtained from Chicago State University, furthering his claims of discrepancies and forgery in President Tinubu’s academic records.

    Atiku maintains his stance, urging the apex court to remove Bola Tinubu from office.

  • Obi Beat Tinubu In 2023 Presidential Election, Babachir Lawal Insists

    A former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Dr David Babachir Lawal said in Abuja on Tuesday that the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, (LP) Peter Gregory Obi won the February 25 presidential election and not Bola Ahmed Tinubu as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    According to Babachir, available factual data as aggregated from several independent sources indicated that Obi got the majority votes while Atiku came second in the election, adding that Bola Tinubu came a distant third in the number of votes scored. 

    In a statement he issued on Tuesday, Babachir Lawal said “I have resisted the temptation to engage in the contemporary political discourse since the May, 2023 election faux pas.

    “I did this for two reasons; the first being that as an active player in the drama, I needed time to analyse and digest the data that led to the outcome(s) so I could arrive at an informed decision; the second, being that the rainy season had just set in and it was necessary that I focused my attention on my farms which are the mainstay of my livelihood. 

    “The current topical issues for political discourse and inquiry are whether or not Bola Tinubu won the presidential election and/or that he was apriori qualified to participate in the election given his murky bio data as is now being publicly unveiled daily in an avalanche. 

    “My answer to the first inquiry is that regardless of whatever INEC or Appeal Court said or did, Bola did not win the election. 

    “Right from the start of the campaigns, Bola new knew he was not going to win the election in a free and fair contest so he decided to go by all means. 

    “Available factual data as aggregated from several independent sources indicate that Obi got the majority votes while Atiku came second. Bola came a distant third in the number of votes scored. 

    “My answer to the second inquiry is that given the now unfolding deluge of uncomplimentary information about who or what he actually is, ordinarily, sound ethics and morality should have convinced him to voluntarily excuse himself from participation in the election. 

    “But this, notwithstanding, I believe he still has time and opportunity to save himself this public humiliation and embarrassment to his person, both locally and internationally by resigning so that he can give more attention to his health. 

    “After all, no one knows about the truism of these severely embarrassing and humiliating exposures about his person than the man himself. 

    “Leadership is all about integrity; sound pedigree, trustworthiness and the ability to unite and instil hope and confidence in the people one seeks to lead. In these qualities, most Nigerians are in total agreement that Bola has them in very very short supply indeed. 

    “But now, six months down the line, the chicken has come home to roost as Nigerians have come to the realization that we have not got what we deserved politically.

    “Confusion and despondency are now all over the nation as no one trusts the government to do what it says it will do. No one trusts the leader; and no one trusts appointees who are appointed as rewards for their roles in the election or who had in the past helped him in his life. 

    “Bola the President and his group are now in government and are in full control of Nigeria’s vast resources and opportunities. They are enjoying their offices while Nigerians languish in insecurity, poverty and hopelessness.

    “During the campaign, Bola mouthed some platitudes about competence; but we are so far yet to see it reflected in his political appointments. It seems more like he is rewarding people who supported him to get the Presidency at all cost.

    “This band of appointees that Bola is assembling into his government don’t care about Nigeria at all. 

    “Fuel prices will continue to gallop upwards until only they can afford it; the Naira will continue to race downhill in a free-fall until only they can afford anything in the market; insecurity will continue its escalation until every community in the nation is consumed by it”, he said.

  • Updated: Appeal Court Nullifies Senator Abbo’s Election Victory In Adamawa North

    Updated: Appeal Court Nullifies Senator Abbo’s Election Victory In Adamawa North

    The Court of Appeal in Abuja has rendered a unanimous verdict, sacking Senator Elisha Abbo, who represented Adamawa North Senatorial District.

    The court’s decision overturned the previous tribunal judgment that had confirmed Abbo, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as the legitimate winner of the Senatorial seat.

    The appeal was lodged by Amos Yohanna, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the election, who contested the results. Senator Abbo, known for a controversial incident in 2019, where he assaulted a lady in an Abuja sex toy shop, saw his re-election aspirations dashed by the appellate court’s ruling.

    As a result of the assault incident, a Federal Capital Territory High Court had previously ordered Senator Abbo to pay N50 million in damages to the assaulted lady, a judgment later upheld by the appellate court panel led by Justice Jamilu Tukur.

    Senator Abbo, acknowledging his removal from the legislative office, urged his supporters and constituents to remain composed.

  • Ifeanyi Ubah Dumps YPP, Defects To APC

    Ifeanyi Ubah Dumps YPP, Defects To APC

    Senator Ifeanyi Ubah (YPP Anambra) on Thursday defected from the Young Progressive Party (YPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Ubah said this in a letter read by President of Senate, Godswill Akpabio at plenary.

    He said that he decided to join the APC because of some irreconcilable differences in the YPP.

    “I am writing to formally notify and inform you that due to irreconcilable differences, I have resolved to move from the Young Progressives Party (YPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    “As a dedicated politician and a representative of the people, I believe that this move has become exigent owing to the growing need and call from my constituents to align myself with a political party that best reflects my values and aspirations.

    “After careful consideration and due consultations with my family, constituents, political associates and critical stakeholders and after a thorough evaluation of the political landscape in Nigeria.

    “I have come to the realisation and conclusion that the All Progressives Congress is better suited to champion the ideals and principles that I hold dear,” he said.

    Ubah said that the APC’s commitment to good governance, economic development and social progress were part of reasons for his defection.

    “I have been the national leader of the YPP for several years and I am grateful for the opportunities and experiences it availed me.

    “However, as our nation faces numerous challenges which have trickled down to my constituency, it is crucial for me to align myself with a party that has the capacity to address these issues effectively for the betterment of my constituents and constituency.

    “I am particularly impressed by the “Renewed Hope” initiative of President Bola Tinubu and I found it needful to join the train so as to initiate my Senatorial District into the laudable vision,’’ he said.

    Ubah said he looked forward to working collaboratively with colleagues in the APC to bring about positive change in Nigeria.

    “While thanking you Mr President for your usual and kind cooperation, please accept the assurances of my distinguished regards,” Ubah said.

    Senate thereafter adjourned plenary until October 17, following the death of Rep. Abdulkadir Danbuga (APC-Sokoto State).

  • I Wrote WAEC As Sadiq Abubakar, Atiku Explains Alleged Forged SSCE Certificate

    In response to mounting allegations of forgery surrounding his Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) certificate, the Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has offered an explanation.

    Atiku Abubakar’s clarification was communicated via his aide, Dele Momodu, who shared the statement on the candidate’s social media platform, X, on Tuesday.

    The controversy had arisen due to concerns raised by members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) regarding the name “Sadiq Abubakar” appearing on Atiku’s WAEC certificate, which seemed inconsistent with his other credentials.

    However, Atiku Abubakar’s response to the allegations provides clarity.

    According to Momodu’s statement, Atiku confirmed, “Yes, I used Sadiq Abubakar to sit for my WAEC, and after passing my exams, I went to swear an affidavit to say I am the same person as ATIKU Abubakar. I went to ABU as Atiku Abubakar and passed my exams as Atiku Abubakar. Interviewed as Atiku Abubakar by the Federal Civil Service Commission and hired into the Customs Service as Atiku Abubakar. So where is forgery there?”