Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has expressed frustration over the delay in receiving a certified copy of the judgment from the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT). The tribunal delivered its ruling three days ago, but Atiku’s legal team is yet to obtain the certified true copies necessary for filing an appeal with the Supreme Court within the 14-day timeframe.
In a statement by Atiku’s Special Assistant on Public Communications, Phrank Shaibu, concerns were raised regarding the potential impact of this delay on the pursuit of justice. Some of Atiku’s witnesses had their testimonies struck out during the PEPT ruling due to late filings.
Shaibu emphasized that the delay in acquiring the certified copies could jeopardize the appeal’s chances, as the legal team needs time to thoroughly review the judgment’s contents and prepare their case for the Supreme Court. The statement questioned whether the PEPT comprehended the urgency of providing the certified copies promptly, given the strict time constraints for filing an appeal.
Atiku and the PDP have a limited 14-day window to prepare and submit their appeal to the Supreme Court, making the swift provision of certified copies crucial to their legal process.
The delay has raised concerns about the fairness and efficiency of the legal proceedings, with Atiku’s legal team stressing the importance of adhering to established legal timelines.
