In a press conference recently held, former Vice President and 2023 Presidential Candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, expressed his official reaction to the judgment delivered by the Presidential Election Petition Court regarding the 2023 presidential election.
Abubakar, who approached the court following the declaration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, were the winners of the February 25 presidential election, stated that his decision to go to court was based on his belief that the court is the sanctuary of justice.
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Highlighting his faith in the judiciary, Atiku Abubakar spoke of his familiarity with legal battles and expressed his confidence in the judiciary’s role in the pursuit of justice.
However, he criticized the management of the last presidential election by INEC, stating that it compromised the gains made in ensuring transparent elections through the deployment of technology.
The former Nigerian vice president expressed his disappointment in the judgment delivered by the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal, stating that it failed to restore confidence in the dreams of free and fair elections without human manipulations.
He emphasized his goal of strengthening democracy through fair hearing and declared that he refused to accept the judgment as it lacked substantial justice.
Consequently, Abubakar announced his decision to activate his constitutionally guaranteed rights of appeal to the Supreme Court, which he believes is necessary to ensure an electoral process devoid of manipulations, saying the outcome of every election should be a true reflection of the wishes of the electorate.
While addressing his supporters, the elder statesman urged them to remain steadfast and drew inspiration from the late Shehu Yar’Adua, stating that losing a battle is less important than losing the war. He assured them that the war of restoring confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system is well ahead and expressed hope in God for victory.
The tenacious politician thanked the press for their attention and emphasized that regardless of the outcome, his effort in ensuring credible elections in Nigeria will remain a record for future generations to evaluate.
Ojelabi, the publisher of Freelanews, is an award winning and professionally trained mass communicator and a recipient of the D9112 Superstar Icon Award, who writes ruthlessly about pop culture, religion, politics and entertainment.
