Tribunal upholds Tinubu’s election

The Presidential Election Petitions Court has upheld the election of Bola Tinubu.

The five-member panel of justices presided by Justice Haruna Tsammani held that the petitions of Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Peter Obi of the Labout Party (LP) are devoid of merit.

Delivering the lead judgment, Chairman of the five-member panel of justices, said that the petitioner’s had failed to prove their allegations beyond reasonable doubts.

Justice Tsammani held that the petitions, lacking in merit, were consequently dismissed.

He also ruled that all parties would bear their respective costs.

In his reaction, Tinubu called for collective efforts to build the nation, saying he welcomed the judgment with sense of responsibility and preparedness to serve all Nigerians, irrespective of all diverse political persuasions, faiths, and tribal identities.

In a statement on Wednesday by his spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, Tinubu, who assured Nigerians of his renewed and energised focus on delivering his vision of a unified, peaceful and prosperous nation, recognised the diligence, undaunted thoroughness, and professionalism of the five-member bench, led by Justice Haruna Tsammani in interpreting the law.

The president said his commitment to the rule of law, and “the unhindered discharge of duties” by the tribunal, as witnessed in the panel’s exclusive respect for the merits of the petitions brought forward, further reflected the continuing maturation of Nigeria’s legal system, and the advancement of Africa’s largest democracy at a time when our democratic system of government is under test in other parts of the continent.

President Tinubu expressed belief that the presidential candidates and political parties that had “lawfully exercised their rights by participating in the 2023 general elections and the judicial process, which followed, have affirmed Nigeria’s democratic credentials.”

The president urged his valiant challengers to inspire their supporters in the trust that the spirit of patriotism will now and forever be elevated above partisan considerations, manifesting into support for our government to improve the livelihood of all Nigerians.

President Tinubu again thanked Nigerians for the mandate given to him to serve our country while promising to meet and exceed their expectations, by the grace of God Almighty, and through very diligent hard work with the team that has been put in place for that sole purpose.