The Labour Party (LP) has called its first witness in the ongoing petition between its candidate, Peter Obi, and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu.

The LP’s counsel, Jibrin Okutepa, presented documents and receipts pertaining to the vice president, Kashim Shettima, accepting his nomination as the vice-presidential candidate of the APC.

Lawrence Nwakaeti, a legal practitioner and witness, confirmed that he had submitted a witness statement on March 20, 2023.

Among the documents presented by Nwakaeti was evidence related to the alleged $460,000 forfeiture by Tinubu to the United States government.

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The LP and Obi argue that Tinubu’s victory should be nullified because he was not qualified to contest for the presidency, citing the fine imposed on him by the United States District Court for narcotics trafficking.

During cross-examination, Nwakaeti admitted that the judgment was not registered in Nigeria and that there was no certificate from any consular in support of the judgment.

The APC’s counsel questioned the authenticity of the documents, highlighting the lack of registration in Nigeria and absence of a certificate from the US consular.

The witness acknowledged these points but emphasized that the proceedings were civil forfeiture proceedings.

The presiding judge, Justice Haruna Simon Tsammani, adjourned further hearing in the petition until May 31.