Two Nigerian presidential candidates disappointed by the verdict of the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal (PEPT) that affirmed Bola Tinubu’s victory at the February 2023 poll have headed to Supreme Court.
They are Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP) who participated in the February 25, 2023 Presidential election.
While the court on Wednesday threw out Atiku’s petitions, that of his Labour Party (LP) counterpart Peter Obi and the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), the flagbearer of the main opposition party says he is undeterred and has instructed his lawyers to appeal the verdict.
Also read: At Presidential Tribunal, Tinubu still a Winner
“Gentlemen of the press, I take great pains to tell you that the decision of the court of first instance on this matter utterly falls far short of that expectation. I am therefore here to tell you that, though the judgment of the court yesterday is respected, it is a judgment that I refuse to accept.
I refuse to accept the judgment because I believe that it is bereft of substantial justice. However, the disappointment in the verdict of the court can never destroy my confidence in the judiciary,” he said in a press briefing on Thursday.
“Consequently, I have asked my lawyers to activate my constitutionally guaranteed rights of appeal to the higher court, which, in the instance, is the Supreme Court. It is my conviction that the electoral process in Nigeria should be devoid of untidy manipulations and that the outcome of every election should be a perfect reflection of the wishes of the electorate.
“I believe that such is the only way through which our democracy can have a manifest expression of its true meaning. Whether I prevail in this quest or not, the record of my effort in ensuring an order of credible elections in Nigeria shall remain for future generations to evaluate,” he added.
His party had earlier rejected the Tribunal’s verdict, saying it would consult its lawyers for the next course of action.
Atiku came second in the election and insists he won the exercise despite the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s declaration of Tinubu as the victor.
Moreover, Obi rejected the judgment of the Presidential Election Petitions Court on the February 25, 2023 poll, describing it as against justice.
Obi, who spoke on Thursday in Onitsha, acknowledged the Tribunal’s adherence to statutory time frame and expressed respect for the court’s views and rulings but disagreed with the judgment’s rationale and final conclusions.
He announced his intention, in his capacity as a presidential candidate and on behalf of the Labour Party, to immediately challenge the judgment through the appellate process, as permitted by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Highlighting the fact that the Tribunal is not the ultimate authority in this matter, Obi emphasised that the responsibility now rests with the Supreme Court, which he expressed confidence in.
He urged Nigerians to maintain their focus, steadfastness, and commitment to peaceful processes while emphasising the importance of adhering to the rule of law.
The Labour Party chief made it clear that the matter has not yet reached its logical conclusion.
Obi revealed that his legal team has already received firm instructions to file an appeal against the Tribunal’s decision.
He expressed unwavering determination in his pursuit of justice, not only for himself but also for the multitude of supporters across the nation whose electoral mandate he said was unjustly thwarted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Obi underscored the pivotal role of solid national institutions and the public’s confidence in them for a thriving democracy.
He pointed out that electoral litigations could be significantly reduced if INEC discharged its statutory functions transparently and fairly. However, when such bodies falter, as he said, INEC did in this case, the judiciary becomes an imperative recourse.
However, Obi extended his gratitude to every Nigerian who supported his campaign for a New Nigeria built on principles of fairness, equity, justice, the rule of law, peace, prosperity, inclusiveness, sustainable growth, and development.
He also thanked his legal team, the Labour Party, the “Obidient Family”, and all those who steadfastly attended the court proceedings.
