The Supreme Court of Nigeria is set to deliver a decisive ruling on Monday, December 16, 2024, regarding the fate of President Bola Tinubu. The case, marked SC/CV/667/2023, was filed by Chief Ambrose Albert Owuru, a former presidential candidate, who is challenging Tinubu’s qualification to hold office as Nigeria’s leader.
Grounds for the Suit
Chief Owuru, who ran for president in 2019 on the platform of the Hope Democratic Party (HDP), is seeking Tinubu’s removal on two main grounds:
1. Alleged Non-Qualification: Owuru claims Tinubu is ineligible to hold the office of President due to a previous forfeiture of $460,000 to U.S. authorities in connection with a drug-related case.
2. Alleged Usurpation of Office: Owuru insists that his supposed victory in the 2019 presidential election was unlawfully disregarded, allowing former President Muhammadu Buhari to remain in office for eight years.
The suit names former President Buhari, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and Tinubu as the first to fourth defendants, respectively.
Owuru’s Claims and Demands
Owuru, a British-trained lawyer called to the Nigerian Bar in 1982, alleges that his tenure as the rightful winner of the 2019 presidential election was usurped by Buhari. He argues that the Supreme Court failed to properly hear his earlier case due to a scheduling mix-up.
He is now requesting that the apex court:
Disqualify Tinubu on the basis of the alleged drug-related forfeiture and accusations of being an active CIA agent.
Declare him (Owuru) the legitimate winner of the 2019 presidential election.
Order his immediate inauguration to reclaim what he describes as his “usurped mandate.”
Scheduled Hearing and Legal Representation
The Supreme Court has scheduled a definitive hearing on the matter for December 16, 2024. A hearing notice addressed to the parties states:
“Please kindly take note that SC/CV/667/2023 Chief Ambrose Albert Owuru & Anor VS President Muhammadu Buhari & 3 Ors at the Supreme Court of Nigeria sitting at Abuja is slated for the hearing of Motions on Monday 16/12/2024.”
The notice was reportedly served on Tinubu through the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.
Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, is expected to lead Tinubu’s defense during the hearing.
Background and Legal Precedents
This is not Owuru’s first legal battle over the presidency. Previously, the Court of Appeal fined him N40 million for filing what it deemed a frivolous suit against Tinubu, INEC, and others. It is unclear whether Owuru has settled this fine before filing the current case.
Implications of the Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court’s decision on Monday could have far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s political stability. If the court sides with Owuru, it could lead to a seismic shift in the country’s leadership. Conversely, if Tinubu’s presidency is upheld, it may reaffirm the legitimacy of his administration amidst persistent legal and political challenges.
