The Supreme Court of Nigeria is set to decide on Monday, December 16, the fate of President Bola Tinubu in a fresh legal challenge seeking his removal from office.
The case, marked SC/CV/667/2023, was filed by Chief Ambrose Albert Owuru, a candidate in the 2019 presidential election under the Hope Democratic Party (HDP).
Owuru is urging the apex court to disqualify Tinubu for alleged non-qualification and claims the presidency was unlawfully usurped.
This latest suit names former President Muhammadu Buhari, the Attorney General of the Federation, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and Tinubu as defendants.
“I Won the 2019 Presidential Election”
Owuru, a British-trained lawyer and member of the Nigerian Bar since 1982, is resolute in his claim that he won the 2019 presidential election.
He insists that his tenure was stolen when Buhari allegedly remained in power unlawfully for eight years.
According to Owuru, his earlier legal attempt to reclaim the presidency was thwarted by what he describes as a “mix-up in hearing dates” at the Supreme Court.
This technical issue, he claims, prevented his case from being fully heard, effectively blocking his path to justice.
Drug Allegations Resurface
In his fresh suit, Owuru also raises questions about Tinubu’s past, particularly his reported forfeiture of $460,000 to the United States government over alleged drug-related offenses.
He argues that this forfeiture disqualifies Tinubu from holding the highest office in Nigeria, citing the country’s constitutional provisions on leadership and character.
Owuru has asked the Supreme Court to declare Tinubu unfit for office and to annul his presidency.
A Contentious Legal Battle
This case has added to the already charged political atmosphere in Nigeria.
Tinubu’s presidency, which began with promises of a “Renewed Hope” agenda, has faced numerous challenges, including public criticism and mounting legal hurdles.
The latest suit adds to ongoing debates about the integrity of the electoral process and the fitness of candidates for public office.
Renewed Debate Over Electoral Justice
Owuru’s claims have reignited conversations about unresolved electoral disputes in Nigeria.
Many observers believe this case could set a significant precedent for handling post-election litigation in the country.
Legal experts are watching closely, as the Supreme Court’s decision could have far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s democracy.
A Long-Standing Dispute
Owuru’s grievances date back to 2019, when he contested the presidential election against then-incumbent Muhammadu Buhari.
He maintains that the results of that election were manipulated and that he was the rightful winner.
For years, he has sought legal redress, only to face procedural setbacks and political roadblocks.
