Atiku unfazed by Tinubu’s swearing-in, stresses confidence in judicial process
Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, remains unfazed by the upcoming swearing-in of President-elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu on May 29, despite ongoing petitions challenging Tinubu’s election victory.
Atiku is currently challenging the declaration of Tinubu, the candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), as the winner of the presidential election held on February 25.
On Tuesday, the Presidential Election Petition Court in Abuja consolidated Atiku’s petition with those filed by Peter Obi, the Labour Party candidate, and the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).
Speaking through his lead counsel, Chris Uche, SAN, Atiku said, “Swearing in is merely a ceremonial act that does not restrict the court in any way. The oath binds the individual who takes it and not the court itself.”
He further added, “The court has provided timelines for all parties to present their cases. We are pleased with this development, as it ensures a prompt resolution of the petitions.”
During the presentation of the pre-hearing report, Justice Haruna Tsammani-led five-member panel granted Atiku’s request to present evidence before the court. Atiku’s legal team will have three weeks to present their case, including the testimonies of 100 witnesses.
In their joint petition with the PDP, marked: CA/PEPC/05/2023, Atiku maintained that Tinubu’s declaration as the winner of the presidential election was “invalid due to non-compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022.” Atiku further argued, “Tinubu’s election was marred by corrupt practices.”
