The wheels of justice are turning in the realm of Nigerian politics as the nation eagerly awaits the verdict of the Presidential Electoral Petition Tribunal. 

This tribunal will on the 6th of September, render its decision on the suits brought forth by five political parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), challenging the outcome of the February 25, 2023, presidential election, which saw Bola Tinubu emerge as the victor. 

Let’s take a closer look at the five distinguished judges presiding over this pivotal tribunal and delve into their backgrounds and legal careers.

Justice Haruna Tsammani

Justice Haruna Tsammani embarked on his legal journey by obtaining his LL.B degree from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, in 1982. 

Tsammani hails from Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area of Bauchi State. His illustrious career as a judge began on the 17th of September, 1998, when he assumed the role of a High Court judge in Bauchi State. 

He ascended to the Court of Appeal on the 16th of July, 2010, becoming the longest-serving Justice on the presidential election tribunal panel with 24 years of judicial experience.

Justice Stephen Adah

Justice Stephen Adah hails from Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State. He obtained his LL.B degree from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, in 1981.

He was appointed a judge of the Federal High Court on the 12th of November, 1998, and later elevated to the Court of Appeal on the 5th of November 2012. 

Justice Adah notably played a pivotal role in granting motions related to high-profile political petitions.

Justice Mistura Bolaji-Yusuf

Justice Mistura Bolaji-Yusuf is the lone female member of the esteemed panel. She hails from Oyo West Local Government Area of Oyo State. 

Her legal journey began at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, where she earned her LL.B degree in 1983, followed by her BL certificate from the Nigerian Law School. 

She ascended to the High Court of Oyo State on the 30th of January, 1997, before later rising to the Court of Appeal on the 24th of March, 2014.

Justice Boloukuoromo Ugo

At 57, Justice Boloukuoromo Ugo stands as the youngest among the judges on the presidential election panel. He hails from Kolokuma/Opokua Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. 

Justice Ugo secured his LL.B degree from the University of Calabar in 1989. He became a Judge of the High Court of Bayelsa State on the 21st of March, 2006.

She was later elevated to the Court of Appeal on the 24th of March, 2019.

Justice Abba Mohammed

Justice Abba Mohammed hails from Kano State and haired the Nasarawa State Governorship Election Tribunal in 2019. He commenced his legal education journey at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, earning his LL.B degree in 1984.

Justice Mohammed’s judicial career began as a judge of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in 2010, where he served for approximately a decade before his promotion to the Court of Appeal on the 28th of June 2021. 

As the nation awaits the final decision of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal, these distinguished judges bear the responsibility of upholding justice, ensuring fairness, and maintaining the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process. 

Their backgrounds and extensive legal careers demonstrate their commitment to the rule of law and the pursuit of justice in the Nigerian judicial system.