Atiku, PDP officially file petition against APC, INEC, challenging Buhari’s reelection

Nineteen days after the declaration of President Muhammadu Buhari as winner of the February 23, presidential election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar and his party have finally filed petition challenging Buhari’s re-election.

Atiku and his party are challenging Buhari’s reelection on the grounds of alleged massive riggings, malpractices and non compliance substantially with the electoral laws.

In the filed petition this evening, main part of the prayers was for Atiku to be declared winner of the February 23 presidential election.

Also, they prayed alternatively that the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT) nullify the poll and order for a fresh election that will be conducted in line with the provisions of the electoral laws.

Respondents in the suit are the All Progressives Congress, APC, Buhari and INEC.

Although a copy of the petition cannot be obtained at the time of filing this report, but the PDP National Legal Adviser, Emmanuel Enoidem, confirmed to journalists at the Court of Appeal, venue of the PEPT that the petition has been filled.

Enoidem said that the PDP and its presidential candidate have already assembled a powerful legal team, comprising 20 Senior Advocate of Nigeria SANs and other retinue of lawyers who will establish the fact of the petition.

He also disclosed that over 400 witnesses have been assembled to testify during the hearing of the petition.

In collaboration, Mike Ozekhome, SAN, further affirmed that the petition was strong, solid and unassailable.