In a significant development following the judgment by the Presidential Election Petition Court on the 2023 presidential election, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar held a press conference to share his official reaction.
Atiku, reknowned for his history of political legal battles, in a press conference held earlier today, addressed the world regarding Wednesday’s judgment, emphasizing his faith in the judiciary, referring to it as the “sanctuary of justice.”
The former Vice President expressed his decision to challenge the outcome of the presidential election following the declaration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate were the winners.
“My decision to go to court is anchored in my belief that the court is the sanctuary of justice. The journey of my political career holds so much to the courage and fearless decisions of our judiciary.”
“The last presidential election in our country was heavily compromised by INEC and the judgment of the court as rendered by the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal yesterday, failed to restore confidence in our dreams of free and fair elections devoid of human manipulations,” Atiku said.
According to Atiku, the court has a duty to address the issues arising from the last presidential election and to restore confidence in the electoral process.
“My ultimate goal in this pursuit is to ensure that democracy is further strengthened through the principles and processes of fair hearing.”
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,” he added.
He expressed concerns about the management of the last presidential election by INEC, stating that it left behind unfavourable precedents and compromises to the transparency achieved through technology.
He mentioned that the recent judgment failed to restore confidence in free and fair elections without human manipulations.
He reiterated his ultimate goal in pursuing this legal battle, which is to strengthen democracy through the principles and processes of fair hearing. While he respected the judgment of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal, he refused to accept it, believing it lacked substantial justice.
Atiku announced that he had instructed his lawyers to activate his constitutionally guaranteed rights of appeal to the Supreme Court, the higher court. He expressed his conviction that elections in Nigeria should be free from manipulations and should reflect the wishes of the electorate.
In conclusion, Atiku urged his supporters to remain steadfast, drawing inspiration from the late Shehu Yar’Adua’s teachings that losing a battle is less important than losing the war. He added that he remains committed to the cause of credible elections in Nigeria and expressed confidence in the ultimate victory of restoring confidence in the electoral system.
