Supreme Court to Atiku, we can’t go back to dark old days

The Supreme Court said the attempt by the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar to file fresh evidence against President Bola Tinubu would take Nigeria to the dark old days.

According to Justice John Okoro, the chairman of the seven-man panel, delivering judgement on Thursday, Atiku’s attempt would extend the case unnecessarily.

The former Vice-President has brought the issue of the authenticity of the certificate of Tinubu from the Chicago State University (CSU) before the apex court, to challenge the election of the president.

But, in his judgement, Justice Okoro said that the apex court has no jurisdiction to accept fresh evidence.

Okoro said, “It will be unfortunate to go back to the dark old days when election petitions could be heard up to the point of expiration of the tenure of the person whose election was being challenged.”

He said Atiku’s attempt to introduce fresh evidence to extend the time to adjudicate the case

“Consequently, since the Presidential Election court has no jurisdiction to entertain fresh evidence, the Supreme Court has no jurisdiction to accept fresh evidence,” he added.