Breaking News: Presidential Election Petition Tribunal strikes out APM's petition

By Oluwayanmife Ayobami

Presidential Election Petition Tribunal has made a significant ruling by striking out the petition filed by the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).

The petition was directed against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shetima, and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Presiding Justice of the Court, Justice Haruna Simon Tsammani, delivered the ruling on objections raised against the petition.

Why did they do this?

Justice Tsammani emphasized that the petition lacked merit and competence, making it unfit for consideration.

One critical point noted by the Tribunal was that the disqualification issue upon which the petition was based should have been addressed at a Federal High Court rather than the Tribunal.

It was deemed a pre-election matter outside the Tribunal’s jurisdiction.

Furthermore, the Tribunal deemed the petition statute-barred, as it was filed beyond the legally permitted timeframe.

Additionally, the APM was found to lack the necessary standing to file the petition, as their presidential candidate, who contested alongside Tinubu, was not a part of the petition.

What the petition is about

The APM’s concerns revolved around Vice President Shetima’s dual nominations for a Senatorial election in Borno and his subsequent role as Tinubu’s running mate.

The APM sought the removal of both Tinubu and Shetima for alleged violations of constitutional provisions.

This ruling marks a significant development in the legal proceedings surrounding the 2023 presidential election.

Breaking News: PEPT to deliver Presidential Election judgement on September 6th

Meanwhile, the Presidential Election Tribunal in Abuja is set to deliver its judgment on petitions challenging the election of President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday, September 6.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, representing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Peter Obi of the Labour Party, have both filed petitions before the PEPT, contesting the results of the February 25 presidential election, which saw President Bola Tinubu emerge victorious while running on the platform of the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The outcome of this judgment is expected to have significant implications for the political landscape of Nigeria, as the nation eagerly awaits the tribunal’s decision on the validity of the election results.