In a landmark ruling on Thursday, the Supreme Court confirmed President Bola Tinubu’s victory in the February 25 presidential election.
The court, led by Justice Inyang Okoro, dismissed Atiku Abubakar’s appeal, stating that it lacked merit. Here is an overview of the key decisions made by the Supreme Court on Thursday October 26, 2023.
No Requirement for 25% Votes in the FCT
The Supreme Court upheld the Appeal Court’s decision that a candidate does not need to secure a minimum of 25% of votes in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT to be declared the country’s president.
Justice Okoro emphasized that the FCT holds no special status, concurring with the Appeal Court’s ruling and rejecting Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi’s appeal.
“The interpretation of the constitution should serve the generality of the people, let me drive this matter home,” he said.
“Are you saying that if a candidate scores majority votes across the country but fails to win the election in the Federal Capital Territory, that the candidate can’t be declared president?”
IReV Portal and Election Results
The Supreme Court ruled that the absence of election results on the INEC Result Viewing, IReV portal does not provide grounds for nullifying the February 2023 presidential election.
Justice Okoro highlighted that the appellant failed to prove substantial noncompliance, relying solely on INEC’s mode of result transmission. He stressed the importance of a holistic interpretation of the constitution, emphasizing the need for a people-oriented approach.
Dismissal of Fresh Evidence Plea
Atiku Abubakar’s plea to present new evidence alleging that President Tinubu submitted a forged certificate was dismissed by the Supreme Court.
Justice Okoro, citing Section 285(5) of the 1999 Constitution, noted that the time frame for admitting such evidence had expired.
Atiku’s counsel’s request to introduce a 32-page document was denied in line with the constitutional provisions. The constitution provides that PEPC hear all petitions concerning the presidential election within 180 days which ended in September 17, 2023.
“On the whole, having resolved all the issues against the appellant, it is my view that there is no merit in the appeal and it is hereby dismissed,” Justice Inyang Okoro said.
“The judgment of the court below delivered on September 6th 2023 affirming the election of the second respondent as the duly elected President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is hereby affirmed.”
In a decisive series of judgments, the Supreme Court affirmed President Bola Tinubu’s victory, setting significant precedents regarding election criteria and evidence submission.
