Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has expressed his determination to continue his pursuit of justice despite the dismissal of the PDP’s lawsuit by the Supreme Court. In a statement shared on his verified Twitter handle on Friday, the former Vice President clarified that the Supreme Court’s decision does not hinder his quest for justice.
Atiku stated that his legal team is fully prepared to provide robust evidence demonstrating that the election held on February 25 was fraudulent, failed to adhere to constitutional requirements and the electoral guidelines set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Furthermore, he asserted that the declared winner was not even eligible to contest the poll. Atiku emphasized his unwavering commitment to the battle for democracy and the establishment of a new order that would drive growth and development in Nigeria. He declared his determination to continue the fight, especially during this critical period when the nation is at a crossroads. Atiku expressed confidence that the esteemed Justices will ultimately deliver a judgment that serves as a fitting tribute to those who manipulate election mandates.
Despite the setback, Atiku urged his supporters to exercise patience and maintain peaceful conduct as they pursue the litigation process at the Presidential Election Tribunal Court.
In recent news, the Supreme Court, on Friday, confirmed the eligibility of President-elect Asiwaju Bola Tinubu to run in the presidential election held on February 25. The apex court, through a unanimous decision by a five-member panel, dismissed an appeal filed by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) challenging the legality of Tinubu’s candidacy, citing a lack of merit.
The PDP’s appeal, marked SC/CV/501/2023, sought Tinubu’s disqualification based on the argument that the Vice President-elect, Senator Kashim Shettima, allowed himself to be nominated for more than one constituency ahead of the 2023 general elections. The PDP contended that Shettima’s dual nomination violated provisions of the Electoral Act, specifically Sections 29(1), 33, 35, 84(1), and (2) as amended.
In addition to requesting the nullification of Tinubu and Shettima’s candidacy, the PDP also sought an order compelling the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remove their names from the list of nominated or sponsored candidates eligible to contest the presidential poll.
Justice Adamu Jauro delivered the lead judgment on behalf of the Supreme Court, ruling that the PDP lacked the legal standing to interfere in the affairs of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which nominated both Tinubu and Shettima for the presidential election.
The developments in the ongoing legal battle between Atiku Abubakar and the Supreme Court, as well as the confirmation of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s eligibility, continue to shape the political landscape in Nigeria. The nation eagerly awaits further proceedings and decisions that will impact the outcome of the presidential election.
Comments are closed.