By Shola Abayomi.
Prof. Ben Nwabueze (SAN), a renowned constitutional lawyer in the country, announced himself at the tribunal hearing today as lead counsel for the petitioners.
Prof. Nwabueze, who was ushered in on a wheelchair at the commencement of hearing today, will be leading the legal team of Atiku Abubakar and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in their petition against the election of President Muhammadu Buhari.
The 87-year-old lawyer appealed to the tribunal to allow him use his wheelchair due to his age and health situation.
Professor Nwabueze, however notified the tribunal that Dr Levy Uzoukwu (SAN) who had been the lead counsel from the beginning, was billed to take charge of today’s proceedings.
He thanked the tribunal for granting his first request, adding that notwithstanding his age and attendant health challenges, he attended the proceedings to underscore the importance of the case.
The foremost constitutional lawyer also added that “the determination of the petition will certainly impact on future elections and constitutionalism in the country.”
Yunus Usman (SAN) announced appearance as the lead counsel for the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC; Mike Igbokwe (SAN) for President Muhammadu Buhari, and Yakubu Maikyau (SAN), for the All Progressives Congress, APC.