Presidential Tribunal update: Panel rejects INEC’s prayer to dismiss Atiku’s petition

Godwin Tsa, Abuja

The Presidential Election Petition Tribunal refused to strike out the petition by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, on account of the non joinder of the Vice president, Yemi Osibanjo, as a party to the petition.

The Tribunal in a unanimous judgment delivered by Chairman of the panel, Justice Mohammed Garba, held that the application by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) lacked merit and was accordingly dismissed.

It was the position of the Tribunal that the petition can be held in the absence of the Vice President who was nominated as a running mate to President Buhari.

It further cited some case laws to hold that a running mate such as a Deputy Governor and Vice President is not a necessary party in an election petition.

The application was filed by the INEC.