Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 elections, has firmly rejected the judgment of the election petitions tribunal, which struck out charges filed by Obi and the LP challenging President Bola Tinubu’s victory.
The tribunal’s verdict, delivered on Wednesday, dealt a blow to Obi’s aspirations for the presidency, but the seasoned politician and former Governor of Anambra State wasted no time in declaring his intent to appeal the decision, asserting his unwavering commitment to the pursuit of justice.
Addressing the media at a press conference held on Thursday in Anambra, Obi expressed his deep reservations about the tribunal’s judgment. He stated, “As petitioners in this case, we respect the views and rulings of the court, but we disagree with the court’s reasoning and conclusions in the judgment it delivered.”
Obi emphasized his determination to challenge the judgment through the established legal channels, stating, “It is my intention as a presidential candidate and the intention of the Labour Party to challenge this judgment by way of appeal immediately, as allowed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Our legal team has already received our firm instruction to file an appeal against the decision.
“I shall not relent in the quest for justice, not necessarily for myself but indeed for our teeming supporters all over the country and beyond whose mandate to us at the polls was regrettably truncated by INEC.”
In a bid to maintain calm and unity among his supporters, Peter Obi implored Nigerians to remain focused, steadfast, and peaceful during this challenging period. He urged his supporters to uphold the rule of law and understand that “this matter has not reached its logical conclusion.”
Obi’s statement also touched on a broader issue affecting Nigerian democracy, as he highlighted the potential for a reduction in electoral litigations in the country. He argued that this could be achieved if the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) executed its statutory functions with utmost credibility, transparency, and discernible fairness.
In conclusion, Peter Obi expressed gratitude to his supporters, legal team, and all those who stood by him throughout the rigorous court trials. He encouraged them not to lose hope, asserting that a new Nigeria, with a more equitable electoral system, remains a distinct possibility.
As this legal battle unfolds, it is clear that the political landscape in Nigeria remains highly charged, with the hopes and aspirations of millions of citizens hinging on the outcome of the pending appeal.
LatestNaija.news will continue to closely monitor the developments surrounding this pivotal case.
