CURRENT REPORT BLOG On the heels of the judgment delivered by the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) regarding the 2023 presidential elections, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar addressed the nation, expressing his official reaction.
Atiku Abubakar began by acknowledging the judgment handed down by the PEPC, which came on the heels of the 2023 presidential elections. He clarified that he approached the court after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared the APC and its candidates as winners of the February 25th elections.
Atiku reiterated his strong belief in the court system as the sanctuary of justice, emphasizing that his political journey has been shaped by the courage and fearlessness displayed by the judiciary. Throughout his career as a politician, Atiku has been a fighter for justice, and he remains resolute in this pursuit.
He expressed disappointment in the way INEC managed the last presidential election, asserting that the deployment of technology to ensure transparent elections was compromised. Atiku lamented that the PEPC judgment, delivered the previous day, did not restore confidence in the dream of fair and tamper-free elections.
Atiku Abubakar made it abundantly clear that he refuses to accept the PEPC’s judgment. He believes that the judgment lacks substantial justice, but his disappointment in the verdict will not diminish his confidence in the judiciary. Consequently, he has instructed his legal team to activate his constitutional right to appeal to the higher court, which, in the East, is the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
The former Vice President emphasized the importance of elections reflecting the true wishes of the electorate and the need to eliminate anxiety and manipulation from the electoral process. Atiku sees this as the only way to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy and ensure it embodies its true meaning.
Atiku expressed his commitment to leaving a legacy for future generations by tirelessly pursuing credible elections in Nigeria. He drew inspiration from his mentor, invoking the lesson that losing a battle is less important than losing the war.
In closing, Atiku encouraged disillusioned or disappointed party members not to lose hope. As a foundation member of the party, he remains steadfast and believes there is no reason to abandon the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). He urged members to remain loyal, dedicated, and committed to fostering national unity and cohesion.