Toba Owojaiye reporting
In a press statement issued on October 26, 2023, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) expressed deep disappointment over the Supreme Court’s judgment regarding the petition they filed. The PDP, along with their Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar, had challenged the declaration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Bola Ahmed Tinubu as winners of the February 25, 2023 Presidential election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The PDP, representing the sentiments of many Nigerians, voiced their alarm and grave concerns about the Supreme Court’s reasoning, which they believe went against the Constitution of Nigeria, the Electoral Act, and INEC’s guidelines and regulations for the election. They expressed their dismay that the court failed to uphold the provisions of the law, which many had expected.
The party highlighted key issues, including the statutory requirement of 25% of votes in the FCT, violations of electoral rules, manipulations of election results by the APC, and serious allegations of forgery, falsehood, and perjury. The PDP questioned how the court could overlook these issues on technicalities.
The judgment was met with a general sense of gloom and despondency across the country, casting a shadow over the nation’s democratic system. The PDP asserted that this judgment has shaken the confidence of Nigerians in the judiciary, particularly the Supreme Court, which is often seen as the last hope of the common man.
Despite this setback, the PDP encouraged Nigerians to remain undeterred and not be discouraged by the judgment. They emphasized the importance of a credible electoral system and government deriving legitimacy from the people. The statement was signed by Hon. Debo Ologunagba, the National Publicity Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party.