Reports suggesting the withdrawal of five justices from the panel designated to adjudicate on the appeals of Atiku Abubakar, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Peter Obi, the candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the presidential election held on February 25, have been firmly refuted by the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
Dr. Festus Akande, the Director of Press and Information at the Supreme Court, has provided unequivocal assurance to the public that the panel remains intact and will proceed to hear the appeals as previously scheduled for today.
In direct contradiction to the misinformation making rounds online, Akande clarified, “This is entirely false. The panel is prepared. You will witness the presence of all the Justices tomorrow (today). There is no turmoil within the institution, as insinuated by certain online sources.”
He dispelled any notions of a crisis within the Supreme Court and reiterated the court’s unwavering dedication to the pursuit of justice.
In addition to the appeals put forth by Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, the Supreme Court is poised to address the appeal filed by the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).
Moreover, a motion submitted by Atiku Abubakar, seeking permission to introduce additional evidence, will be considered during the proceedings.
It’s worth noting that similarly unfounded claims circulated previously during the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) hearings. At that time, baseless rumors implied that Justice Boloukuoromo Moses Ugo had stepped down from his position. Subsequent investigations conclusively demonstrated the groundlessness of these allegations, affirming that Justice Ugo had not resigned, contrary to the alleged reports.
