Tinubu's Swearing-in Won't Change The outcome of the trial, According To Atiku's Lawyer, Uche

Attorney Chris Uche

Bola Tinubu's inauguration as president-elect will not have an impact on the petitions before the electoral tribunal, according to Chris Uche, an attorney for Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party's (PDP) presidential candidate in the general election of 2023.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, or INEC, proclaimed Tinubu the victor on March 1. He is scheduled to take office on May 29.

However, Atiku and Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP) are contesting his victory in court.

Some Nigerians have asked that Tinubu not be sworn in before the conclusion of the electoral tribunal, including the former Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, John Onaiyekan.

But Uche, Atiku's principal attorney, said in a Tuesday interview with journalists in Abuja: "I have been asked about May 29. I want to assure people that swearing in is only a ceremony that does not in any way tie the hands of the court.

"The taking of oath binds the person who takes the oath and not the court.

"The court has given you its timelines for parties to present their case. We are happy that with the development, the petitions will be expeditiously determined."

According to the electoral legislation, the tribunal has 180 days to decide on the applications.

This means that by September 16, 2023, the court should have completed its work.

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