Atiku Abubakar, the Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is challenging President Bola Tinubu regarding the acceptance of fresh evidence by the Supreme Court related to alleged forgery in the February 25 election outcome. The Supreme Court is set to begin hearing appeals from three political parties challenging the election. The central issue revolves around Atiku's request to file copies of depositions from the Chicago State University (CSU) concerning Tinubu's diploma. Tinubu's lawyers argued against admitting the 32-page depositions, stating they were submitted outside the 180-day window specified by the Electoral Act, 2022.
Tinubu's counsel, Wole Olanipekun (SAN), contended that the apex court lacked jurisdiction to consider the new evidence at this stage. In response, Atiku's lead counsel, Chris Uche (SAN), emphasized that there is no constitutional 180-day limit for the Supreme Court's consideration of a presidential election petition. Uche argued that the time limit for lower tribunals does not apply to the Supreme Court, and the constitution allows the Court of Appeal to consider appeals beyond 180 days. This legal dispute centers on whether fresh evidence can be introduced at this stage of the appeal.
