There is palpable tension in Abuja with unusual presence of security personnel as the Supreme Court today begins hearing of the appeals by three opposition parties challenging the election of President Bola Tinubu.

Tinubu’s victory in the February 25, 2023 presidential election is being challenged by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Labour Party and the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).

Having lost at the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC), the three parties and their candidates proceeded to the Supreme Court, which has fixed today for hearing.

Ahead of Monday hearing, there has been security red alert in Abuja, especially within the Three Arms Zone where the Supreme Court is located.

Candidates of the PDP and Labour Party, Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi respectively have expressed optimism that the apex court would overturn the verdict of the PEPC.

Atiku in particular had obtained fresh evidence from Chicago State University, CSU, to prove his case that Tinubu forged the certificate he issued to INEC as a qualifying document to run for the election.

The APC Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, said his party is confident of victory. He said: “We are expecting justice and I know the Supreme Court Justices are just. They are going to look at the cases on merit. So, we are optimistic that justice is going to be done just as was done earlier on (tribunal judgment).

“We are not expecting anything different from a just and fair ruling. Whatever may be the case, my confidence is in the judicial system of Nigeria. So, I am consoled that justice will be delivered and whoever wins or loses should take it in good faith.

“As a party, the APC is confident the Supreme Court is going to be just.”

However, the PDP also expressed equal measure of optimism that the Supreme Court will accede to its prayer by sacking Tinubu and declaring Atiku as winner.

PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, in a statement on Sunday, said, “Nigerians and indeed the whole world look forward to the Supreme Court for justice in the hope that the court will apply the laws, including the express provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), the Electoral Act, 2022 and INEC Guidelines and Regulations in delivering substantial justice in the matter.

“The earnest expectation of Nigerians and lovers of democracy across the world is that the Supreme Court will use this case to firmly validate the maxim that the judiciary is the last hope of the common man.

“Nigerians are, therefore, optimistic that the Supreme Court will dispense substantial justice according to the law and the facts in the appeal.”