Atiku, PDP Backs Consolidation Of Petitions Against Tinubu’s Declaration As President-elect

Former Vice President and presidential candidate in the February 25 election, Atiku Abubakar and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) have thrown their weight behind the consolidation of the three petitions challenging the return of Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a winner of the election.

Atiku argued that merging his petition with that of Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP) and that of the Allied People’s Movement (APM) would engender quick disposal of the petitions.

Besides, he canvassed that the interest of justice would prevail when the petitions are accorded expeditious hearing.

At Monday’s proceedings, Atiku represented by Eyitayo Jegede, SAN, maintained the monumental importance of the petitions is the reason they deserve a speedy hearing.

The former Vice President cited several provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 which donates powers to the Court to merge petitions for quick disposal in the interest of justice.

He insisted that the three petitions though filed by different parties are targeted at the same 2023 presidential election and the same declaration of Tinubu as winner.

“The petitions from their contents and foundation are flying together with equal force to the same direction of righting the wrongs in the election”, he said.

Atiku argued that it is natural and appropriate for the Court to do everything within its power and the law to bring justice to the parties.

He asked the Court to disregard the objections by Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress, APC, adding that their motive is to delay the hearing of the petitions against natural justice.

However, the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC represented by Chief Kemi Pinheiro, SAN said it would abide by the decision of the Court.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Court, Justice Haruna Simon Tsammani has fixed May 23 for ruling on the matter.