ABUJA, Nigeria – Peter Obi, the presidential candidate for the Labour Party (LP) in the last election, has filed an appeal with the Supreme Court.
This comes after the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT) upheld President Tinubu’s victory in the recently concluded election.
In a 51-point appeal, made available to The Trent on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, Obi is seeking the nullification of the PEPT ruling, raising further questions about the legitimacy of the electoral process.
Controversial Tribunal Decision
The PEPT ruling had been subject to controversy, with Peter Obi and the Labour Party arguing that irregularities marred the process.
This appeal to the Supreme Court adds another layer to what has already been a contentious post-election period.
Appeal Details
The details of the appeal lodged by Peter Obi are yet to be made public, but they are likely to reiterate claims of electoral malpractice and the Labour Party’s allegations of non-compliance with constitutional dictates by INEC. The appeal also comes amid global concern about not just the outcome but also the electoral process in Nigeria.
Potential Outcomes
The Supreme Court is now expected to review the case, and its ruling will be final regarding the presidential election.
If the court upholds the appeal, it could lead to a rerun of the presidential election, a situation that would be unprecedented in Nigeria’s recent history.
However, President Tinubu’s victory will be definitively confirmed if it dismisses Peter Obi’s claims.
Awaiting Supreme Court’s Verdict
The country now waits with bated breath for the Supreme Court’s verdict on this high-profile case, which has the potential to set a significant legal precedent.
While the timeline for the Supreme Court’s decision is currently unknown, it is clear that the ruling will have far-reaching implications for the political landscape in Nigeria.
For now, both the Labour Party and President Tinubu’s supporters will be eagerly awaiting the Supreme Court’s judgment, which will undoubtedly influence the future of democratic governance in Nigeria.
