ABUJA, Nigeria — The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and its 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, have formally rejected the ruling of the Presidential Election Petition Court, PEPC, that upheld the victory of President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking at a press conference at the party headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, September 7, 2023, Atiku announced plans to appeal the decision at the Supreme Court.
The former Vice President expressed disappointment at the judgement, which he says “falls short of restoring confidence in the country’s electoral system.”
While Atiku has always leaned on the judiciary for justice throughout his political career, he said that the recent judgment undermines the nation’s aspirations for free and fair elections.
“I refuse to accept the judgment because I believe that it is bereft of substantial justice. However, the disappointment in the verdict of the court can never destroy my confidence in the judiciary,” Atiku stated.
Atiku urged his supporters to remain steadfast and loyal to the PDP, insisting that the “war of restoring confidence in our electoral system” is far from over. He referenced the late Shehu Yar’Adua’s teachings that “losing a battle is less important than losing the war.”
The PDP’s acting National Chairman, Alhaji Umar Damagum, echoed Atiku’s sentiment and described the court’s decision as shocking.
“Lawyers, politicians, and other stakeholders from all divides were left confused as both law and facts were visibly thrown overboard,” Damagum added.
Despite the setback, Atiku remains confident in the strength and resilience of the PDP, stating that the party will continue to provide credible opposition to the ruling party.
He reiterated that his conviction in a just electoral process remains unshaken and that he will continue to fight for a system that reflects the true wishes of the electorate, whether or not he prevails in his legal pursuit.
The formal appeal process will now go to the Supreme Court, setting the stage for what could be a landmark case that either upholds or challenges the legitimacy of President Bola Tinubu’s election victory.
PDP members and supporters are called upon to remain focused and undistracted as the party’s National Working Committee, NWC, works diligently to pursue its mandate and keep the party unified in these challenging times.
