The Supreme Court has ruled against Atiku Abubakar's request to introduce new evidence in his appeal against President Bola Tinubu. Justice Inyang Okoro delivered the verdict during the hearing of appeals challenging Tinubu's victory at the Presidential Election Tribunal Court (PEPC).
Atiku had sought permission to present additional evidence supporting his claim that Tinubu submitted a forged certificate to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). His counsel, Chris Uche (SAN), argued for the admission of a 32-page document in the interest of justice.
Justice Okoro, however, invoked Section 285(5) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which dictates that the PEPC must resolve all presidential election petitions within 180 days. Since this period had expired on September 17, the Supreme Court lacked the jurisdiction to admit the new evidence, rendering Atiku's plea unsuccessful.
