The Labour Party (LP) has raised concerns over the Supreme Court’s delay in providing the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment on the appeal of its Presidential candidate, Peter Obi. The party’s National Secretary, Umar Farouk Ibrahim, expressed frustration as the Supreme Court has yet to release the ruling since October 26, despite the LP’s formal request.
According to Ibrahim, the Supreme Court issued a hearing notice on October 25, 2023, informing the LP and its candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, about the impending judgment on their appeal (Appeal No. SC/CV/937/2023) scheduled for Thursday, October 26, 2023. However, after being present in court on the specified date, the LP alleges that the Supreme Court refrained from delivering the judgment and failed to provide the requested CTC.
Ibrahim emphasized that the Supreme Court’s stance, wherein the LP’s appeal would abide by the judgment delivered in a separate appeal filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was deemed “extraordinary, terribly shocking, most unprecedented, and unacceptable” by the Labour Party.
The LP contends that the appeals from both the PDP and LP were distinct, originating from separate judgments at the Court of Appeal and not consolidated at the Supreme Court. The LP argues that crucial issues, such as the forfeiture of funds related to narcotics trafficking, double nomination of a party not involved in the PDP petition, and failure to comply with electoral regulations, were unique to their appeal and not addressed in the PDP’s case.
Despite the LP’s proactive approach in applying for the CTC of the judgment on October 26, 2023, followed by a reminder on November 8, 2023, the Supreme Court has allegedly ignored these requests. The LP asserts that this failure to provide duly authenticated copies of the decision within the constitutionally mandated seven days constitutes a breach of their constitutional right to a fair hearing.
In conclusion, the Labour Party expresses deep concern over the Supreme Court’s unprecedented conduct, characterizing it as regrettable and constituting an unmitigated breach of their constitutional rights.
