By Samuel Abasiekong-Abasiekong
The Presidential Election Petition Tribunal PEPT, sitting in Abuja on Wednesday 6th September 2023 has affirmed Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressive Congress-APC as Nigeria President.
Tinubu’s emergence as winner of February 25 Presidential election and subsequent swearing in as the 16th President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on May 29, 2023 was criticized by local Civil Society Organizations, international Observers notably the European Union, opposition parties members amongst others.
One of the major questions begging for answer on Tinubu’s victory, has always been “How did he emerged the winner?”
After many days of an apparent court examination of evidence brought before it by other contenders, the Tribunal said the petitions of the Peoples Democratic Party – PDP, its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar; as well as the petition of Labour Party -LP and its flag bearer, Peter Obi; challenging Tinubu’s victory lacked merit.
Critical issues before the court such as, Kashim Shettima, Tinubu’s running mate double nomination was said to be valid.
On Tinubu’s Guinea Bissau nationality, the Tribunal said the country passport was not properly submitted as evidence.
The fraud case levelled against Tinubu was not proven, the Tribunal said.
The court also ruled that INEC is at liberty to choose its method of transmission of election results.
On the drugs deals in the US, the court said Tinubu was cleared.
Tinubu academic qualifications are good enough for him to contest the Presidential election, the court also ruled.
On Abuja, FCT 25% votes requirement needed to be President of Nigeria, the Tribunal said it’s not necessary.
The People’s Democratic Party and Labour Party who are the two major contenders of Tinubu’s victory, have rejected the Tribunal verdict, and may head to the Supreme Court to seek redress.
©️Samuel Abasiekong, French & English languages Journalist, Researcher, Public Affairs Analyst. Here reporting @ 9newsng.com
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