N. TOBI, JSC (Delivering the Leading Judgment): The 1st appellant contested the 2003 presidential election on the platform of the Movement for Democracy and Justice (MDJ). He lost the election to the 1st respondent, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, who contested the election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The appellant did not like the election result. He contested the result by filing an election petition against the 1st respondent and other respondents. He challenged the conduct, result and return of the 1st respondent as the winner of the election.
On 21st May, 2003, the appellants filed a motion before the Presidential Election Tribunal which is for all intents and purposes the Court of Appeal. He sought for the following prayers:
"1. Leave to join CORPORATE NIGERIA (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) as 57th respondent in the petition.
2. Leave to amend the petition to reflect the joinder, and to amend some paragraphs of the petition, etc.
3. An order deeming as properly fi…