Tribunal Verdict: Atiku Takes Legal Battle to Supreme Court, Contends ‘We Received a Judgement, Not Justice

The Nigerian political landscape has been a theater of legal drama and controversy in recent times, with the 2019 presidential election leaving a trail of disputes and disagreements in its wake.

One of the central figures in this unfolding drama is former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who was the presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in that election. Following his loss to President Muhammadu Buhari, Atiku decided to challenge the outcome in court. This journey through the legal system has now brought him to the doorstep of the Supreme Court, where he raises a profound question: Did he receive a judgment or justice from the lower tribunals?

The tribunals that have handled Atiku’s case have issued their judgments, upholding Buhari’s victory. However, Atiku and his legal team remain adamant in their belief that they have not received justice. They argue that the process has been marred by irregularities, alleged bias, and a lack of transparency. While the courts have spoken, Atiku insists that the issues surrounding the election demand a closer examination.

One of the central concerns raised by Atiku’s legal team is the alleged role of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the election. They contend that INEC did not conduct the election in a manner that was free, fair, and credible. Claims of voter suppression, manipulation of results, and electoral malpractice have dogged the electoral body. These allegations, if substantiated, could cast a shadow of doubt over the legitimacy of the election.

Furthermore, Atiku’s camp argues that the lower tribunals did not adequately consider their evidence and arguments. They believe that critical issues, such as the alleged discrepancies in the election results, were not given the attention they deserved. This has led them to question whether the lower courts’ decisions were driven more by expediency than by a genuine pursuit of justice.

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As the legal battle shifts to the Supreme Court, the question of whether Atiku received a judgment or justice takes center stage. The Supreme Court, as the apex court in Nigeria, has the responsibility of not only upholding the law but also ensuring that justice is served. The eyes of the nation and the international community are now fixed on this institution as it prepares to weigh in on this contentious issue.

Regardless of the outcome, Atiku’s legal battle serves as a reminder of the importance of transparent and credible elections in any democracy. It underscores the need for electoral bodies to be impartial and for the legal system to provide a fair and thorough examination of election disputes. The case also highlights the role of the judiciary in upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice is not just a word on paper but a living reality for all citizens.

In the coming weeks, as the Supreme Court deliberates on Atiku’s case, Nigeria will once again be in the global spotlight. The verdict rendered by the highest court in the land will not only determine the fate of one man’s political ambitions but will also send a powerful message about the state of democracy and justice in the nation. Whatever the outcome, one thing is clear: the debate about judgment versus justice will continue to shape Nigeria’s political landscape for years to come.