Atiku vs Buhari: 87-Year Old Prof Nwabueze Is Head Of Atiku’s Legal Team

Atiku vs Buhari: Tribunal Begins Hearing

Renowned constitutional lawyer, Prof Ben Nwabueze made a brief appearance on Thursday before the presidential election petition tribunal where he announced himself as the lead counsel for the Peoples Democratic Party and its presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

This is as the tribunal begins proper hearing in Atiku and PDP’s suit challenging the election victory of Muhammadu Buhari, candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the February 23 presidential election.

Prof Nwabueze who was brought in on a wheelchair, appealed to the court to be allowed to be seated while addressing the bench, a request granted by the tribunal.

In his remark, the constitutional lawyer said, “The determination of the petition will certainly impact on future elections and constitutionalism in the country.”

He added that “notwithstanding of my age and attendant health challenges”, he attended the proceedings “to underscore the importance” of the case.

After closing his remark, he took permission to leave the courtroom and was subsequently wheeled out of the room after his request was granted.

Before then, he had earlier handed over to Dr. Livy Uzoukwu (SAN), who had from the beginning, been leading Atiku’s team.

At the sitting, Yunus Usman (SAN) announced appearance as the lead counsel for the Independent National Electoral Commission; Mike Igbokwe (SAN) for President Muhammadu Buhari and Yakubu Maikyau (SAN), appeared for the APC.

Meanwhile, Naija News understands about 50 boxes containing electoral materials from Niger, Jigawa, Kebbi, and Yobe states, have already been brought into the courtroom.

Uzoukwu also announced that they would be starting the case with Niger State.