Justice Tukur stated that Owuru had engaged in a gross abuse of the court process by filing a frivolous, vexatious, and irritating suit aimed at provoking the respondents. The court further emphasised that Owuru's grievances against the 2019 presidential election were not only strange but also uncalled for, as they had already been pursued up to the Supreme Court and dismissed for lack of merit.
According to Justice Tukur, Owuru's attempt to resurrect a case that had been conclusively resolved by the Supreme Court in 2019 was a clear attempt to undermine the supremacy of the apex court and create a conflict with lower courts. The panel of justices had reserved the judgment on May 19 after hearing submissions from the lawyers involved in the matter.
Ambrose Owuru, who contested the 2019 presidential election under the Hope Democratic Party (HDP), claimed in his suit (number CA/CV/259/2023) that he was the rightful winner of the election and that the rescheduling of the polls had affected his mandate. However, the Court of Appeal found no merit in his claims.
During the proceedings, Tinubu's counsel, Adelani Ajibade Esq, pleaded with the appellate court to uphold the decision of the Supreme Court from October 11, 2019, and dismiss Owuru's appeal while imposing a cost of N20 million. Similarly, counsel to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Hassan Aminu, urged the court to dismiss the application.
The judgment of the Court of Appeal, which imposes a N40 million fine on Owuru, serves as a significant development in the legal battle surrounding the 2019 presidential election. The court's decision sends a clear message that abuse of the court process will not be tolerated and highlights the importance of respecting the judgments of higher courts.
It is worth noting that the Court of Appeal's ruling affirms the previous decisions made by the Supreme Court, which had already dismissed Owuru's grievances against the election results. The imposition of the N40 million fine serves as a deterrent against filing baseless and frivolous suits that waste the time and resources of the court and the parties involved.
This judgment also underscores the judiciary's commitment to upholding the principles of justice and ensuring that the legal system is not manipulated for personal or political gain. By holding Owuru accountable for his actions, the Court of Appeal has reinforced the integrity and credibility of the judicial process.