A Nigerian court on Wednesday permitted the opposition leader to review election materials, seeking to contest his loss in the February 2019 presidential election. Atiku Abubakar, representing the Peoples Democratic Party, filed a petition after incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari secured a second term.
Abubakar alleged irregularities and violence during the voting process, prompting his party to request judicial intervention. The election tribunal ruled unanimously that the electoral commission, INEC, must grant access to polling documents for inspection and certified copies.
The court rejected a separate motion to conduct a forensic audit of the materials. Buhari's campaign maintained the election was free and fair, while legal procedures allow Abubakar 21 days to challenge results. A final ruling could take up to 180 days, with potential Supreme Court review within 90 days if needed.
