The Presidency and the All Progressives Congress (APC) have responded to the recent remarks made by Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) presidential candidate, following the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold President Bola Tinubu’s victory in the February 25 presidential election.
In his press conference in Abuja on Monday, Atiku expressed his disappointment in the Supreme Court’s judgment, alleging that it endorsed illegality. He described the decision as a blow to Nigeria.
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The Presidency, in a statement by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, criticized Atiku’s approach to the election, stating that he entered the race “with a fragmented and tattered umbrella.” They argued that the PDP’s disunity and fragmentation hindered their chances of winning the election.
The Supreme Court recently ended the legal battle that lasted 171 days and resulted from Atiku’s challenge to Tinubu’s election victory. The court’s lead judgment, delivered by Justice Inyang Okoro, refused to consider the academic records of the President obtained from the Chicago State University, which Atiku sought to present as fresh evidence to support his allegation of certificate forgery against Tinubu.
In response, Atiku criticized the Supreme Court’s verdict, describing it as an endorsement of illegality and expressing his disappointment in the decision. He vowed to continue his political career and struggle for the rule of law.
Atiku also called for constitutional amendments to ensure that election litigation concludes before the winner’s inauguration, a six-year single term for the presidency, and a rotational presidency among Nigeria’s six zones.
The APC, represented by its National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, accused Atiku of being desperate and suffering from post-election trauma, stating that his actions and statements displayed a lack of understanding of the judicial process and the laws governing the electoral system.
The Chief Spokesman for the Obi-Datti Campaign Council, Yunusa Tanko, agreed with Atiku’s criticism of the Supreme Court and the electoral umpire, suggesting they were influenced by the presidency.
While the political landscape remains divided, Atiku remains committed to his political journey, while the APC and the Presidency have called on him to retire from the presidential race.
As the political discourse continues, Nigeria grapples with issues surrounding election processes, judiciary decisions, and the country’s future political landscape.
