The Supreme Court has announced that the long-awaited judgement in the case brought by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against President-elect Bola Tinubu and Vice President-elect Kassim Shettima will be delivered on May 26. The PDP had sought the disqualification of the duo and a reversal of the Court of Appeal’s decision that the party lacked locus standi. Let’s delve into the details of this significant legal battle and the implications it holds for the upcoming presidency.
In response to the PDP’s lawsuit filed on July 28, 2022, the Supreme Court has scheduled May 26 as the day of judgement. The PDP seeks to establish that Shettima’s nomination as Tinubu’s running mate violates several provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022, including sections 29 (1), 33, 35, and 84(1)(2). The party argues that Shettima’s simultaneous candidacy for the vice-presidential position and the Borno central senatorial seat is a direct violation of the law.
Crucially, the PDP also requests an order for the disqualification of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Tinubu, and Shettima from participating in the presidential election, as well as annulling their candidacies. The party seeks legal redress for what it perceives as a breach of electoral regulations and a threat to the integrity of the upcoming election.
However, during the proceedings at the Court of Appeal, presided over by Justice James Abundaga, the PDP’s case was dismissed due to the party’s alleged lack of locus standi, or legal standing, to initiate the lawsuit. Unsatisfied with the outcome, the PDP decided to appeal the judgement, continuing their pursuit of justice through the legal channels available to them.
With the Supreme Court’s judgement set to be delivered on May 26, the fate of President-elect Bola Tinubu and Vice President-elect Kassim Shettima hangs in the balance. The outcome of this landmark case will have far-reaching implications for the political landscape, electoral regulations, and the upcoming presidential administration. As the nation awaits the final verdict, the PDP and its supporters hold onto hope for a favorable outcome, while the defendants and the APC remain poised to defend their positions. All eyes are now on the Supreme Court as the day of judgement approaches, signaling the resolution of this consequential legal battle.