Wole Olanipekun, legal representative for Abba Yusuf, has contested the court of appeal’s authority to rectify errors in its recent judgment. The appellate court in Abuja had upheld the Kano state governorship election petition tribunal’s decision to remove Abba Yusuf of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
The controversy erupted when the certified true copy of the judgment revealed conflicting resolutions, leaving the court in a quandary. Chief Registrar Umar Bangari attributed the discrepancy to a clerical error, emphasizing the court’s power to rectify such mistakes.
However, Olanipekun fired back, asserting that the court of appeal had lost its jurisdiction in the matter as the 60-day timeline for hearing and disposing of the appeal had lapsed on November 18. In a letter addressed to the court, Olanipekun highlighted Section 285(7) of the Constitution, contending that any application for correction could only be entertained by the Supreme Court.
Challenging Bangari’s suggestion that formal applications be filed for correction, Olanipekun stated, “We are not aware that any of the parties has filed any application to correct any error.” He further emphasized the pressing need for Abba Yusuf to exercise his constitutional right to appeal within the dwindling timeframe.
As the legal wrangling intensifies, the Kano gubernatorial dispute remains a focal point, with Olanipekun underscoring the importance of upholding statutory imperatives for the fair administration of justice.