Both Atiku and Obi are strongly contesting the declaration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the winner of the February 25 presidential election on various allegations. Their legal teams have been rigorously presenting evidence and arguments in their bid to challenge the election outcome.
According to the hearing notice issued by the Tribunal, the adoption of final addresses will commence promptly at 9 am. All parties involved in the case have been duly served with the notice, ensuring a fair and transparent judicial process.
Tinubu, whose victory is being contested, has been served the same hearing notice through his legal representative, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN. The All Progressives Congress (APC), the party representing President Tinubu, has also been served the hearing notice through its lead counsel, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN.
Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, the petitioners, have received the hearing notice through their respective lead counsels as well. Atiku was served through Chief Chris Uche, SAN, while Obi was served through Livy Uzuoku, SAN. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has also been duly served through its counsel, Abubakar Balarabe Mahmoud, SAN.
As the process progresses, all parties involved will have the opportunity to present their final arguments and counter-arguments. The Tribunal aims to conduct a thorough and impartial review of the evidence presented before delivering a final judgment.
According to the practice direction of the court, once the adoption of final addresses is completed, the Tribunal will promptly fix a date for the final judgment. This indicates that the conclusion of the tribunal proceedings is drawing nearer, and the nation eagerly awaits the Tribunal's verdict on the contested election results.
The outcome of this case is expected to have significant implications for the political landscape of the country. As the legal battle continues, stakeholders and citizens alike will closely observe the developments and the subsequent judgment to understand the implications for the nation's governance and democratic process.
The Tribunal's proceedings and judgment will undoubtedly shape the future trajectory of the country's political arena, and it remains essential for all parties to maintain the highest levels of respect for the rule of law and the judicial process throughout this crucial period in Nigeria's history.