After scolding from s’court, APM withdraws appeal against Tinubu

The supreme court has dismissed the appeal filed by the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) seeking to void the election of President Bola Tinubu.

The appeal was dismissed after Chukwuma Umeh, APM counsel, applied to withdraw the suit.

The justices had scolded APM’s counsels for filing a “frivolous appeal” that had been decided by the apex court.

The APM’s petition was premised on the eligibility of Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima contesting the February 25, 2023 election on the grounds of double nomination.

In its judgment on September 6, the tribunal held that the petition of the APM was “devoid of any merit”.

Haruna Tsammani, who read the judgment, said the alleged double nomination against Shettima had no substance, having been settled by the supreme court. He said no one has the right to litigate on it again.

The tribunal also said APM lacked the locus standi to challenge the qualification of a candidate in another political party.

The tribunal said only an aspirant who took part in a primary election can challenge the outcome of such election.

The tribunal referred to the judgment of the supreme court delivered on May 26, where the apex court dismissed an appeal filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

At the hearing of the appeal on Monday, the court described the appeal as “frivolous”.

“We are not bound to hear every appeal,” Inyang Okoro, who led the panel, said.

Okoro cited the judgment delivered by the apex court on May 26 adding that the APM “ought to have withdrawn the matter at the trial court”.

“It is so agitating and not proper,” the court further held.

“There is nothing in this appeal.

“When the court points out an issue, you should listen especially considering the workload of the court.”

After listening to the court, Umeh said: “In light of the circumstances, I apply to withdraw this appeal”.

Consequently, it was dismissed.