Tinubu’s inauguration certain as Supreme Court throws out PDP’s suit

The Supreme Court has throw out the suit filed by PDP challenging the alleged double nomination of vice-president elect, Kashim Shettima.

Loyalists of Bola Tinubu had feared that any ruling against Shettima may affect May 29 inauguration.

However, the Supreme Court, in its ruling on Friday, agreed with the lower courts that the PDP lacks the locus Standi to institute the case.

Justice Adamu Jauro said the PDP acted as meddlesome Interloper and a busy body as it is an internal affair of the APC.

The judge then awarded a sum of Two Million Naira against the PDP even as the suit was dismissed for lacking in merit.

The PDP, in the suit filed on July 28, 2022, had claimed that Shettima’s nomination as Tinubu’s running mate was in breach of the provisions of sections 29(1), 33, 35, and 84(1)(2) of the electoral act, 2022.

The party argued that Shettima’s nomination to contest the position of vice-president and Borno central senatorial seat — at the same time — contravened the law.

The PDP, which sought an order disqualifying the APC, Tinubu, and Shettima from contesting the presidential election, also sought an order nullifying their candidacies.

However, Inyang Ekwo, the trial judge at the court of appeal, dismissed the suit on the grounds that the PDP lacked the locus standi to institute the suit.

Not satisfied, the PDP appealed the judgment.

Delivering judgment in the appeal, a three-member panel of the court of appeal led by James Abundaga held that the PDP failed to establish that it had locus standi to institute the case.

Abundaga described the PDP as a “busybody”, who dabbled into issues that were internal affairs of the APC.

“The appellant, having failed to disclose its locus standi, this appeal fails and it is hereby dismissed,” he said.

The judge also awarded N5 million cost against the appellant’s lawyer, J. O. Olotu.