The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) filed a lawsuit on Monday asking for Bola Tinubu, the president-elect, and Kassim Shettima, the vice president-elect, to be declared ineligible. The Supreme Court of Nigeria set May 26 for the court to rule on the case.
Additionally, the party pleaded with the court to overturn the Court of Appeal ruling, which ruled that the party had failed to prove its locus standi and was led by Justice James Abundaga.
Three days before the presidential inauguration, a ruling would be made that would either result in Shettima’s inauguration as vice president or the termination of his campaign.
Buhari Will Confer GCFR, GCON Honours On Tinubu, Shettima On 29th May – SGF Gives Update
Given that they conducted a joint campaign, Shettima’s disqualification, if upheld, might delay Bola Tinubu’s inauguration as president.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) contested the claim, but senior attorney Joe Agim reminded the court that the APC had previously acknowledged Shettima’s double nomination at the appeal court.
Agim claimed that his responses did not deserve to talk, much less engage in any discussion, over the alleged double nomination. He supported this claim by quoting a case in which Uche Nwosu had sued ADP.
“There’s a punishment for double nomination. They ought not to be heard. It should never happen in this country,” Agim said.
However, Omosanya Popoola, an attorney for the APC, scolded his colleague, asserting that the motion was invalid because the Federal High Court had determined that the PDP had locus standi to raise the issue, a decision that was later affirmed by the Court of Appeal.
UPDATE: Tinubu, Shettima, INEC Reject Tribunal Proceedings Live Broadcast
It was too late for the PDP to file a case with the Supreme Court after 180 days, he continued, because it was a pre-election subject and had passed the deadline for challenging it.
“This matter has long expired, well over 200 days,” asserted Popoola, hinting it was a pre-election matter.
However, Mr. Agi contended that the duration was unimportant based on the Uche Nwosu precedent, citing an earlier statement by the Supreme Court that “time does not run” when addressing issues involving multiple nomination.
The court’s ruling will be announced on Friday, May 26 according to the five judges, who are all chaired by Inyang Okoro.
Follow us on Facebook
Post Disclaimer
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author and forum participants on this website do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Anaedo Online or official policies of the Anaedo Online.