The Supreme Court on Monday asserted that there are conflicting letters from the Chicago State University (CSU) on President Bola Tinubu’s certificate.
Justice John Okoro, Chairman of the 7-member panel stated this during the resumed hearing of the application of Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), filed against the victory of Tinubu.
The judge said criminal matters have to be proved beyond reasonable doubt.
“But in this case, there are two conflicting letters from the CSU – one authenticating the president’s certificate and another discrediting it. Which do we rely on?” he queried.
Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party candidate has urged the Supreme Court to admit fresh documents against President Tinubu.
Atiku is seeking an order granting him leave “to produce and for the court to receive fresh and additional evidence by way of deposition on oath from the Chicago State University for use in this appeal to wit: the certified discovery deposition made by Caleb Westberg on behalf of Chicago State University on October 3, 2023, disclaiming the certificate presented by the 2nd respondent, Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the Independent National Electoral Commission.”
However, INEC lawyer, Abubakar Mahmoud, urged the Supreme Court to dismiss Atiku’s application seeking to present Tinubu’s academic records.
Also, Tinubu’s lead counsel, Wole Olanipekun, SAN told the court that Atiku cannot seek fresh evidence at the Supreme Court.