…By Muyiwa Aderinto for TDPel Media.
Atiku and Tinubu Agree on Certification of Documents in Presidential Election Petition
The recent agreement between Abubakar Atiku, the Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and President-elect Bola Tinubu has brought an important development to the ongoing proceedings of the Presidential Election Petition Court.
Both parties have agreed not to object to the documents presented by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) regarding the February 25 presidential election.
However, they emphasize the need for the documents to be certified as true reflections of the original copies, as required by the law on document admissibility.
During the court proceedings, Chief Chris Uche SAN, the leader of Atiku’s legal team, conveyed their decision to the 5-man panel of Justices.
This decision was met with confirmation from Tinubu’s representative, Wole Olanipekun (SAN), and his legal representatives, who expressed their agreement with Atiku’s stance on the certified documents.
They emphasized the importance of allowing the court to thoroughly scrutinize the documents to ensure a fair and just judgment.
Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), the leader of the legal team representing the All Progressives Congress (APC), confirmed that they also endorsed the agreement.
Their aim is to facilitate the smooth presentation of Atiku’s petition and contribute to a transparent and unbiased legal process.
The counsel for INEC, Abubakar Balarabe Mahmoud, assured the court that the electoral body would promptly provide all the necessary documents.
Their commitment is to ensure a speedy and efficient hearing of all the petitions challenging the presidential election.
This development showcases a significant level of cooperation among the parties involved in the election petition case.
By agreeing on the certification of documents, Atiku and Tinubu, along with their legal teams, have demonstrated a commitment to transparency and fairness in the pursuit of justice.
It is a positive step towards a smooth and efficient resolution of the petition, allowing the court to assess the evidence and make a well-informed judgment.