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Certificate Forgery: Overrule Tinubu’s Objection to Fresh Evidence, Atiku Tells S’Court
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has prayed the Supreme Court to grant his application for leave to tender fresh an additional evidence to support his claim that President Bola Tinubu submitted forged document to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to contest the February 25 election.
Atiku, who is challenging the victory of President Tinubu in the 2023 presidential poll, said presenting forged documents by any candidate, especially by a candidate for the highest office in the land, is a very grave constitutional issue that must not be encouraged.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate stated this in his reply on point of law to Tinubu’s objection to allow the presentation of fresh evidence before the apex court.
Tinubu had, in his objection to Atiku’s application for additional evidence to support the allegation of certificate forgery, argued that the issue of his qualification to contest the 2023 presidential election “is a pre-election matter” and prayed the court to reject the application.
But, in his reply on point of law, Atiku, while faulting Tinubu, argued that issues of merit ought not to be determined or pronounced upon at the interlocutory stage.
Noting that they are only at this stage merely applying for leave of the Supreme Court to receive the fresh evidence, Atiku submitted that “to refuse to grant the leave as the respondents have argued, will amount to undue technicality.
“The Supreme Court, as the Apex Court and indeed the Policy Court, has intervened time and again to do substantial justice in such matters of great constitutional importance, as it did in the case of Ameachi vs INEC (2008) 5 NWLR (Pt. 1080) 227 and Obi vs. INEC (2007) 11 NWLR (Pt. 1046) 565. The Supreme Court applied the principle of ubi jus ibi remedium to ensure that substantial justice is done in such novel scenarios.
“The need to rebuff, eschew and reject technicality and the duty of Court to ensure substantial justice is very germane in this matter, given the gravity of the constitutional issue involved in deciding whether a candidate for the highest office in the land, the office of President of the Country, presented a forged certificate or not.
“In urging the Honourable Court to overrule the objections of the Respondents, we can do no better than to commend to your noble Lordships the insightful words of the Supreme Court in Assah & Others V. Kara & Others (2014) LPELR-24212(SC), per Rhodes-Vivour, JSC as follows.
“Law is blind. It has no eyes. It cannot see. That explains why a statue of a woman with her eyes covered can be found in front of some High Courts. On the contrary, justice is not blind. It has many eyes, it sees, and sees very well.
“The aim of Courts is to do substantial justice between the parties and any technicality that rears its ugly head to defeat the cause of justice will be rebuffed by the Court.”
The former Vice President made the claims in a 20- paragraph affidavit deposed to in support of the application.
He argued that if the Apex Court grants the application, there would be no need for “any further argument other than the written address in support of same showing that the 2nd Respondent is in violation of the provisions of Section 137 (1) (j) of the Constitution by presenting a certificate disclaimed by the institution from where he purportedly procured same.
“That, contrary to paragraphs 16(xi) of the 2nd Respondent’s Counter-Affidavit, there was no ex parte communication with the Honourable Court, but the letter was forwarded to the Registrar of the Court just as was done in the case of Uzodinma vs. Izunaso (2011) 17 NWLR (Pt. 1275) 30, at 56 (paragraph h of the affidavit on page 56) in which Counsel for the 2nd Respondent and Counsel for the Appellants/Applicants were both involved.”
The deponent, Uyi Giwa-Osagie, further argued that Tinubu’s objection was baseless because he was represented both at the discovery and the depositions, as well as at the court hearing by his Chicago Attorneys, and that the 2nd Respondent never challenged the issue of venue of the discovery and deposition.
“That the presence of the 1st and 3rd Respondents at the discovery and deposition was not necessary. That I know that the 2nd Respondent’s appeal was to prevent the discovery and deposition, and that the said Appeal failed.
“That, I know as a fact that the discovery and deposition were ordered by the District Judge, and was not out-of-court. That the Appellants were not indolent in their pursuit of the discoveries and deposition as it was also the letter tendered as Exhibit XX2 by the 2nd Respondent in the course of his defence purportedly issued by Caleb Westerberg that clearly gave the Appellants/Applicants further reasons to build on the evidence of PW27 by the discovery proceedings for the documents and Deposition on Oath of the same Caleb Westerberg.
“That, the process for the discovery and deposition was commenced by the Appellants/Applicants with several initial preliminary processes by their U.S. Attorneys culminating in their eventually filing a Petition for the issuance of Subpoena, a copy of which is annexed herewith as Exhibit “K”.
“That the process was severely stalled by the vehement opposition of the 2nd Respondent, citing irreparable damage to him, amongst other excuses, and I annex herewith as Exhibit “L” the motion of the 2nd Respondent to quash the subpoena, which application failed.
“That the 2nd Respondent has been in primary possession of all the facts sought in the discovery but took every step to block their release, notwithstanding that the 2nd Respondent had equally applied through his Attorney in the United States, Mr Wole Afolabi, for the release of the said documents, which were released to him as shown is Exhibit “P” presented in the course of the discovery and deposition process.
“That I know as a fact that the Appellants are in this appeal challenging the rulings of the lower court striking out certain paragraphs of their Petition as well as their Replies dealing with aspects of qualifications of the 2nd Respondent.”
Meanwhile, Atiku faulted Tinubu’s submission that he was inconsistent in his names, describing the submission as immaterial and pedestrian, as there is no Petition challenging his qualification.
“That it is immaterial that 1st Respondent had since June 24th 2022 published the factitious credentials of the 2nd Respondent as presentation of a forged certificate by a candidate for election to the office of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is a post-election matter under Section 137 (1) (j) of the Constitution”.
Besides, Atiku pointed out that the presentation of a forged certificate disqualifies a candidate for all time, no matter when presented.
“That at the trial, a National Youth Service Corps certificate with serial number 173807 presented by the 2nd Respondent to the 1st Respondent was equally tendered by the Appellants/Applicants at the trial as “Exhibit PBD 1A” with the name Tinubu Bola Adekunle, which is annexed herewith as Exhibit “J”.
Candidate of Labour Party in the last Presidential election, Mr. Peter Obi, has confirmed that he is on his way out of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
In a personally signed statement released on Sunday, Obi said he arrived at the decision after deep reflection, describing the move as necessary despite “every constraint.”
“I woke up this morning after my church service with a deeply reflective heart… and felt compelled to share these thoughts,” he wrote, adding that many people do not understand the “silent pains” and private struggles faced by those trying to serve in Nigeria’s political space.
Obi painted a grim picture of the current political climate, describing it as increasingly hostile and discouraging.
“We now live in an environment that has become increasingly toxic, where the very system that should protect and create opportunities… often works against the people,” he said, pointing to intimidation, insecurity, and persistent scrutiny as defining features of the system.
The former Anambra State governor also expressed disappointment over what he described as a lack of solidarity, even among close associates.
“Some who publicly identify with you privately distance themselves or join in unfair criticism,” he noted, lamenting that humility is often misinterpreted as weakness, while compassion is seen as foolishness.
Obi, however, clarified that his decision was not driven by personal grievances against key leaders within the party. He specifically exonerated ADC National Chairman, David Mark, and former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, saying neither treated him unfairly.
“Let me state clearly: my decision to leave the ADC is not because our highly respected Chairman… treated me badly, nor because… Atiku Abubakar, or any other respected leaders did anything personally wrong to me,” he said.
Instead, Obi attributed his exit to what he described as a recurrence of the same challenges that plagued his time in the Labour Party, including internal divisions, legal battles, and external interference.
“The same Nigerian state and its agents that created unnecessary crises… now appear to be finding their way into the ADC, with endless court cases, internal battles, suspicion, and division,” he stated.
He further lamented that sincere contributions are often undervalued, with individuals becoming scapegoats for broader systemic failures.
“Even within spaces where one labours sincerely, one is sometimes treated like an outsider… as though honest contribution has become a favour being tolerated rather than appreciated,” Obi added.
Despite stepping away, the former governor said he continues to face criticism and attacks on his character, even as he seeks to pursue national development with sincerity.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s broader challenges, Obi questioned societal values that, according to him, often misinterpret integrity and prudent management of resources.
“Why is doing the right thing often misconstrued as wrongdoing in our country? Why is integrity not valued?” he asked.
Obi reiterated that his ambition is not driven by a quest for political office but by a desire to see a better Nigeria.
“I am not desperate to be President… I am desperate to see a society that can console a mother whose child has been kidnapped or killed,” he said, highlighting issues of insecurity, poverty, and displacement.
He concluded on a hopeful note, affirming his belief in Nigeria’s potential for transformation.
“Yet, despite everything, I remain resolute. I firmly believe that Nigeria can still become a country with competent leadership based on justice, compassion, and equal opportunity for all,” he said.
“A new Nigeria is possible.”
Source: Daily Trust
Headlines
US Threatens to Withhold 50% of Aid to Nigeria over Lapses in Security, Civilian Protection and Accountability
The United States is considering to withhold 50 per cent of its aid to Nigeria under a new legislative proposal that ties continued support to measurable progress on security, civilian protection, and accountability.
The U.S. House Appropriations Committee approved the measure as part of the Fiscal Year 2027 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programmes appropriations bill, reflecting growing concern in Washington over persistent violence in Africa’s most populous nation.
The broader bill allocates about $47.32 billion for foreign aid and diplomacy, a reduction of roughly six per cent from the previous year.
If enacted, the proposal would require the Secretary of State to certify that Nigeria is taking “effective steps” to address insecurity, protect civilians, and prosecute perpetrators before half of the allocated aid can be released.
Lawmakers linked the conditions to continued attacks by militant groups and violence affecting vulnerable communities.
The legislation also directs Nigerian authorities to prioritise support for victims, particularly internally displaced persons, and to facilitate the safe return and reconstruction of affected communities.
It calls for investigations and prosecutions tied to armed groups.
In addition, Nigeria would be required to match U.S. funding for supported programmes, effectively introducing a dollar-for-dollar framework that could increase pressure on government finances.
A committee statement said the bill aims to “hold foreign governments accountable for persecuting people of faith”, adding that assistance to Nigeria would remain restricted until “measurable actions are taken” to protect vulnerable populations.
The proposal also places Nigeria under heightened congressional scrutiny, requiring the U.S. administration to notify Congress at least 15 days before any funds are disbursed.
The bill, however, is yet to become law and must still pass both chambers of Congress and be signed by the U.S. president.
Nigeria has previously rejected claims that violence in the country is driven by religious persecution, arguing instead that insecurity reflects a complex mix of terrorism, banditry, and communal conflicts.
Nonetheless, the proposed measure signals a shift toward stricter U.S. oversight of foreign assistance and could reshape bilateral relations if approved.
Headlines
Peter Obi Weeps for Nigerian Workers, Says Minimum Wage Can no Longer Guarantee Modest Living
A frontline presidential aspirant on the platform of the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC), Peter Obi, has regretted that the minimum wage can no longer guarantee a most modest standard of living in Nigeria.
In a post on his X handle on Friday to mark Workers’ Day, the former Governor of Anambra State said this has happened as inflation, rising food prices, transportation costs, and economic hardship continue to erode the value of honest work.
He said no nation can truly develop beyond the strength, productivity, and wellbeing of its workforce, stressing that the progress of any society rests on the quality of its human capital, the skill of its people, and the commitment of its workers.
‘When workers suffer, the nation suffers. When workers are empowered, the nation prospers,” he noted.
The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general elections said a productive nation must be built on justice, fairness, and respect for labour, adding that “it is the Nigeria we must work together to achieve.”
Obi said through democratic participation, the Nigerian workers have the power to shape governance and determine the future direction of the nation.
He, therefore, urged Nigerian workers to recognise the strength they hold collectively.
“But beyond their labour, workers also possess another powerful tool, their voice and their vote.
“They owe it to themselves, their children, and future generations to support and demand leadership built on competence, character, capacity, credibility, and compassion. By refusing to reward failure, corruption, ethnic division, and bad governance, they can help build a nation where hard work is respected and rewarded with dignity.
“With the support and participation of Nigerian workers, a new Nigeria is possible,” said Obi.
He saluted workers across the world, especially Nigerian workers whose daily sacrifices continue to sustain our families, communities, institutions, and national economy in the face of severe hardship and uncertainty.
