PHOTOS: Supreme court begins hearing of appeals challenging Tinubu’s election

The supreme court has commenced hearing of the appeal filed by Atiku Abubakar, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), challenging the election of President Bola Tinubu.

Entry into the court premises is restricted and there is heavy presence of security operatives.

Officers of the Department of State Services (DSS) are ensuring thorough screening of those seeking access.

Only a limited number of journalists have been allowed access to the courtroom.

Many dignitaries and party chieftains including Abdullahi Ganduje, national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC); Julius Abure, national chairman of the Labour Party; and Umar Damagum, acting national chairman of the PDP; are present in court.

Femi Gbajabiamila, chief of staff to the president; and Nuhu Ribadu, national security adviser; are also in court.

The court is expected to hear all the appeals challenging Tinubu’s election.

The justices presiding over the appeals are Inyang Okoro, Helen Ogunwumiju, Ibrahim Saulawa, Adamu Jauro, Tijani Abubakar, Emmanuel Agim and Lawal Garba.

The panel is being led by Okoro.

See first pictures from the courtroom below.