The application was brought by a former presidential candidate of the Hope Democratic Party (HDP), Ambrose Owuru, who claimed to have won the 2019 presidential election.
A three-member panel presided by Justice Jamil Tukur on Friday listened to arguments in the matter before reserving it.
Earlier, counsel to Tinubu, Adelani Ajibade, pleaded with the appellate court to sustain the decision of the Supreme Court on October 11, 2019, and dismiss the appeal with a cost of N20 million.
Also, counsel to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Hassan Aminu, also asked the appellate court to dismiss the application.
Owuru had filed the suit marked CA/CV/259/2023, asking the appellate court to stop President Muhammadu Buhari, the Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from taking any further steps on the 2023 presidential election that produced Tinubu as the winner.
Owuru applied for "an order of prohibitory injunction compelling Buhari, AGF, and INEC, their servants, agents, and privies to preserve and give due cognizance and abstain from any further undertaking or engaging in any act of usurpation of adjudged acquired constitutional rights and mandate as the winner of the 2019 presidential election."
During the proceedings, Owuru's counsel, Ukpai Ukairo, argued that his client won the 2019 presidential election but was denied his mandate. He requested that the court invoke its powers to prevent the inauguration of Tinubu as president.
Counsel to Tinubu, Adelani Ajibade, countered the argument, stating that the case had already been decided by the Supreme Court, and the decision should be upheld. He further requested the court to dismiss the appeal and impose a cost of N20 million on Owuru.
Similarly, INEC's counsel, Hassan Aminu, urged the court to dismiss the application, stating that the 2023 presidential election had not taken place yet and it was premature to seek an injunction.
After hearing the arguments from all parties, Justice Jamil Tukur announced that the court would reserve judgement on the matter. He thanked the parties for their submissions and assured them that a decision would be reached in due course.
The Court of Appeal's decision will determine whether or not the inauguration of Bola Tinubu as president on May 29 will proceed as planned. Until the judgement is delivered, the outcome remains uncertain, and both supporters and critics of Tinubu eagerly await the court's decision.
Bola Tinubu, a prominent political figure and former governor of Lagos State, emerged as the winner of the 2023 presidential election, according to the results announced by INEC. However, Ambrose Owuru, the applicant in this case, contests the legitimacy of the election and claims that he is the rightful winner.
The outcome of this legal battle will have significant implications for Nigeria's political landscape and the democratic process. It is a case that has attracted widespread attention and has generated intense debates among political observers and citizens alike.
As Nigerians await the judgement, the atmosphere remains charged with anticipation. The decision of the Court of Appeal will not only shape the immediate political future but also set a precedent for future electoral disputes.
The judiciary's role in upholding the rule of law and ensuring fair and transparent elections is paramount. The judgement in this case will test the strength