Following the judgement of the Supreme Court with respect to the appeal filed by Peoples Democratic Party and Labour Party, as well as their presidential candidates Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Mr. Peter, against the victory of the candidate of Progressives Congress, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, concerned stakeholders have been reacting to the judgement. PDP Expresses Disappointment
Following the judgement of the Supreme Court with respect to the appeal filed by Peoples Democratic Party and Labour Party, as well as their presidential candidates Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Mr. Peter, against the victory of the candidate of Progressives Congress, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, concerned stakeholders have been reacting to the judgement.
PDP Expresses Disappointment
Reacting to the judgement, the Peoples Democratic Party expressed its disappointment over the final verdict of the apex court, insisting that the judgement betrayed the expectations of the Nigerians.
A statement signed by PDP National Publicity Secretary, Hon Debo Olorunagba maintained that failure to upturn the victory of the APC candidate by the apex court was not in accordance with the Nigerian Constitution and the Electoral Act, accusing the Supreme Court of condoning perjury and falsehood in the country.
“The PDP and indeed majority of Nigerians are alarmed, disappointed and gravely concerned with the reasoning of the Supreme Court which the PDP believes is against the express provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), the Electoral Act, 2022, the Guideline and Regulation issued by INEC under which the election was conducted.
“The PDP asserts that it is indeed a sad commentary for our democracy that the Supreme Court failed to uphold the provisions of the law. Instead, it trashed the expectation of the majority of Nigerians who looked up to it as a Temple of Impartiality to deliver substantial justice in the matter having regard to the laws and facts of the case.
“Nigerians earnestly expected the Supreme Court to uphold and defend the clear provisions of the 1999 Constitution in terms of qualification and minimum requirement for a winner to be declared in a Presidential election in Nigeria especially with regards to the required statutory 25% of votes in the FCT as well as issues of violation of electoral Rules and Guidelines, brazen manipulations and alterations of election results by the APC.
“Nigerians are still at a loss as to how the Supreme Court condoned the serious issues of forgery, falsehood and perjury on the altar of technicalities.
“The general gloom, melancholy and sense of despondency across the country upon the delivery of the judgment is an ominous sign of an eerie situation which portends grave consequences because of the disappointment embedded in the judgment.
“This judgment by the Supreme Court has evidently shaken the confidence of Nigerians in the judiciary, especially the Supreme Court as the last hope of the common man.
“The PDP remains undeterred and charges Nigerians not to be discouraged or allow the judgment to detract from their collective quest for the entrenchment of a credible electoral system that can guarantee a government that truly derives its legitimacy from the people”.
Labour Party Describes Judgement A Shred of Justice and Good Conscience
In a similar vein, the Labour Party has openly condemned the judgement from the apex court which dismissed the appeal of its candidate to upturn the victory of the APC candidate, describing the process as a shred of justice and good conscience in the country’s judiciary system.
A statement signed by the party national chairman, Julius Abure with respect to the verdict of the apex court maintained that the judgement indicated that the executive influence both the judiciary and the legislature of the country.
Mr Abure, therefore appealed to the community to intervene in the sustainability of Nigerian democracy. He also appealed to the party supporters not to lose hope, noting that all hopes are not lost.
“The leadership of the Labour Party watched as the sacred fabric of justice and good conscience was shredded today at the Supreme Court as it delivered its verdict in the case between our party the Presidential candidate and the APC Presidential candidate. We are indeed very shocked and surprised that even the apex Court will toe the line of an earlier judgement in spite of all the flaws associated with the judgement delivered by the Presidential Election Appeal Tribunal.
“Having conclusively exercised our fundamental rights as gifted to us by the laws of the land, we have no other choice but to move on. We may be disappointed and dismayed by the outcome of the exercise, but we have chosen to trudge on and to remain optimistic of what the future holds for the nation.
“However, there are great lessons to be learnt. What transpired in Nigeria since the February 25 presidential election is a clear testament that our institutions are not working and that we may be sliding towards dictatorship. It is very clear that the executive has hijacked both the judiciary and the legislature. This is so unfortunate for our democracy, and it is even more for the people of Nigeria.
“It is also pertinent to put on record that we have it on very good authority that the government may have marked some Labour Party’s key leaders, myself especially and our Leader and Presidential candidate Mr Peter Obi in particular for vilification, in order to suppress the party, suffocate our team, and our goal of a new Nigeria. The planned persecution, intimidation, suppression and harassment of our leaders using security agencies and all other government institutions will be definitely defended.
“We are therefore calling on all our members, and the Obidient family to be vigilant and brace up for the challenges ahead. The struggle for a New Nigeria will certainly be tortuous and hard.
“We are also calling on the international community to rise to the occasion to defend democracy in Nigeria. Your voices were loud and clear in condemnation of the outcome of the presidential election. As we approach the next stage of our democratic journey, we call on you to stand by the millions of Nigerians who are already pushed beyond their limits into unnecessary hardship and penury.
“Finally, we urge Nigerians not to lose hope in our Country. Though we are paying a huge price to achieve a Nigeria of our desire. We are hopeful that we will get to our destination someday because where there is a will, certainly, there will be a way. A new Nigeria is still possible”, he said
Buhari Describes Judgement A Relief
Former president of the country, Muhammadu Buhari described the judgement as a relief to him and the majority of Nigerians, indicating that it is a reaffirmation of the will of people against the determined will of a hard-fighting minority.
“Now that we have arrived at the last bus-stop, after a tortuous 8-months of expensive legal journey, the nation deserves a break. The opposition has fought a good fight. Having now exhausted their rights as constitutionally allowed, they should take the hand of fellowship extended by the Tinubu/Shettima
“APC government. Let them allow the Government to run their administration and the people to enjoy the full benefits of the promises the All Progressives Congress (APC) made.”
President Tinubu Commends Judgement Restates Confidence in Judiciary
On the other hand, President Bola Tinubu has commended the judgement of the Supreme Court, saying that the judgement showcased the professionalism of the judges and how it further consolidated the electoral jurisprudence and constitutional democracy in the country.
He further stated that the verdict by the Supreme Court has affirmed that his victory in the elections was from a free and fair elections and in adherence with the rule of law, adding that the development has further strengthened him to serve the country.
“The victory of today has further energised and strengthened my commitment to continue to serve all Nigerians of all political persuasions, tribes, and faiths, with honour and total respect for the diverse opinions and uniting values of our citizens.
“Our Renewed Hope agenda for a greater and prosperous Nigeria has further gained momentum and I will continue to work from morning to night, every single day, to build a country that meets our collective yearnings and aspirations.
“We are all members of one household, and this moment demands that we continue to work and build our country together. The strength of our diversity and the great citizenship that binds us must now compel us forward in directing the energy of our people towards building a virile, stronger, united, and more prosperous country.
“In the days and months ahead, I trust that the spirit of patriotism will be elevated into supporting our administration to improve the living conditions of Nigerians. I am prepared to welcome the contributions of all Nigerians to foster and strengthen our collective progress.
“I send my immense gratitude to all Nigerians for the mandate to serve our country. I promise again to meet and exceed your expectations in service delivery and good governance, working with my team and trusting in the grace of God.
