…By Joseph Benjamin for TDPel Media.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, have expressed their support for combining three petitions that challenge the victory of Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the February 25 election.
This move aims to ensure the swift resolution of the cases.
During the proceedings on Monday, Atiku argued that consolidating the petitions filed by his clients with those of Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP) and Allied Peoples Movement (APM) would expedite the hearing process and serve the interest of justice.
Represented by his lawyer, Eyitayo Jegede (SAN), the former Vice President emphasized that the ultimate goal of the petitions is to address the issues surrounding the 2023 presidential election and Tinubu’s declaration as the winner.
Atiku pointed out that there are provisions in the Electoral Act 2022 that empower the Court to merge petitions for efficient disposal in the interest of justice.
He asserted that despite being filed by different parties, the petitions are aligned in their objective of rectifying the election’s alleged wrongs.
Atiku further argued that it is the Court’s responsibility to utilize all available legal means to ensure justice is served.
He urged the Court to dismiss the objections raised by Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC), stating that their motive is to delay the hearing process, which goes against the principles of natural justice.
On the other hand, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), represented by Chief Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, expressed its commitment to abide by the Court’s decision.
In response to the arguments presented, the Chairman of the Court, Justice Haruna Simon Tsammani, has scheduled the ruling on the matter for Tuesday, May 23.