The Supreme Court has dismissed Atiku Abubakar’s application to file fresh evidence in his appeal against President Bola Tinubu.
Justice Inyang Okoro delivered the verdict on Thursday during the hearing of the appeals filed against Bola Tinubu’s win at the Presidential Election Tribunal Court (PEPC).
Atiku had sought the leave of the apex court to present fresh evidence of forgery against Tinubu.
He pleaded with the court to look into the matter because of its constitutional and democratic implications.
The fresh evidence Atiku sought to tender was the academic records of Tinubu, which were handed over to him by the Chicago State University (CSU) on October 2.
The former Vice President had informed the court that the fresh evidence was crucial to his appeal, adding that it has inherent jurisdiction to entertain and decide on the application.
However, the Supreme Court said it has no jurisdiction to entertain the fresh evidence as the time limit allowed by the constitution has elapsed.
He said the court cannot activate section 22 of the Supreme Court Act to admit fresh evidence.
” The leave cannot be granted. We do not have the vires to grant it. There is no paragraph in the petition that indicates forgery. It would float on the appeal if it should be admitted.
