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Problem for Tinubu’s Govt as INEC Chairman to Testify in Atiku’s Suit Challenging Election Result
The chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu, is set to testify in Atiku’s suit that challenges the victory of President Bola Tinubu in the February 25 presidential election.
Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), filed a petition challenging Tinubu’s victory, alleging that the election was marred by irregularities.
His lead counsel, Chris Uche, on Tuesday, informed the five-member panel of the court chaired by Haruna Tsammani that Mr Yakubu would appear before it on Thursday.
At the behest of Atiku’s legal team, Mr Yakubu had been subpoenaed to testify on the conduct of the disputed election.
Yakubu is expected to testify on the conduct of the election and the processes involved in the collation of results. He is also expected to tender some sensitive electoral documents in aid of the petitioner’s suit.
The hearing of the petition is scheduled to continue on Thursday, June 16.
Atiku’s Allegations
Atiku is seeking a declaration that he was the duly elected president of Nigeria. He is also seeking an order for a fresh presidential election. In his petition, Atiku alleged that there were widespread irregularities in the conduct of the election, including:
- The use of card readers that were not working properly
- The disenfranchisement of voters
- The inflation of voter turnout figures
- The manipulation of the results
Tinubu’s Response
Tinubu has denied all of Atiku’s allegations. He has also filed a counter-petition, alleging that Atiku was involved in vote-buying and other electoral irregularities. The hearing of the petition is expected to last for several weeks. The court is expected to deliver its ruling on the petition in the coming months.
The case is being closely watched by Nigerians and international observers. The outcome of the case could have a significant impact on Nigeria’s democracy.
If Atiku is successful in his petition, it would be the first time in Nigeria’s history that a presidential election has been nullified by the courts. This would send a strong message that the Nigerian judiciary is independent and willing to uphold the rule of law.
However, if Tinubu is successful in his counter-petition, it would be a major setback for Atiku and the PDP. It would also raise questions about the fairness of Nigeria’s electoral system.
The case is still in its early stages, but it is already clear that it is a significant case with the potential to have a major impact on Nigeria’s democracy.