In a final verdict issued on Thursday, the Supreme Court upheld the election victory of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the All Progressive Congress (APC) presidential candidate, by dismissing the appeals of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and his Labour Party (LP) counterpart, Peter Obi, for lack of merit.

Justice John Inyang Okoro, delivering the judgment on behalf of the seven-man panel, affirmed the decision of the Presidential Tribunal Court and rejected the opposition parties’ appeals based on allegations of fraud, electoral law violations, and Tinubu’s eligibility to run for president.

The Supreme Court Panel ruled unanimously, stating, “In the appeal by LP/Peter Gregory Obi against the election of Bola Ahmed Tinubu of APC, the Supreme Court holds that the issues are similar and have already been resolved in the Appeal of Atiku Abubakar/PDP against Bola Ahmed Tinubu of APC. The only issue not covered is that of double nomination, which has been addressed in a previous judgment and cannot be revisited. Therefore, the appeal is dismissed for lack of merit.”

The appeals contended that Tinubu’s election should be invalidated because the electoral commission failed to electronically transmit results from polling stations to an online portal, casting doubt on their authenticity. Justice Okoro clarified, “When IReV fails, it does not halt the collation of results. It deprives people of viewing results. The nonfunction will affect the trust of the electorates in the election. However, the unavailability of IReV cannot be grounds for nullifying the election. The failure did not affect the election’s outcome, and the issue is resolved against the appellants.”

They also argued that Tinubu’s election should be overturned because he failed to secure 25% of the vote in the federal capital, Abuja. Justice Okoro stated, “In interpreting the requirements to be declared elected president, the court holds that 25% votes are not required for FCT.”

The court rejected Atiku’s attempt to introduce new evidence to prove that Tinubu had submitted a forged university certificate to INEC. The Court ruled, “Since the lower court has no jurisdiction to allow fresh depositions, this court also cannot allow the tendering of fresh and additional depositions.”

Summing up, Supreme Court Justice Inyang Okoro declared, “Having resolved all the issues against the appellant, it is my view that there is no merit in the appeal, and it is hereby dismissed.”