Supreme Court to Atiku: Don’t take us back to dark old days; we don’t have jurisdiction to entertain fresh evidence

The Supreme Court on Thursday rejected the new application filed by the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, to submit fresh evidence to nullify the election of President Bola Tinubu.

Justice John Inyang Okoro-led seven-man panel held that Atiku’s attempt to bring fresh evidence on whether Tinubu has an authentic diploma from the Chicago State University would elongate the judgement, adding that this would return the country to the old dark days, adding that the apex court has no jurisdiction to accept fresh evidence.

“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,” Justice Okoro said.

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,” Justice Okoro added.