Obi heads to Supreme Court

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has rejected the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) judgement on the outcome of the presidential election held on 25 February 2023.

Obi during a press conference today in Anambra State said he respects the rulings of the court, but disagrees with its reasoning and conclusions in the judgment delivered.

The former Anambra State Governor maintained that it was his intention as a presidential candidate and the intention of the Labour Party to challenge the judgment by way of appeal immediately as allowed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Obi added that he would not relent in the quest for justice for the teeming supporters all over the country whose mandate at the polls was regrettably truncated by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“Yesterday, 6 September 2023, the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) finally delivered its long-awaited judgments on the Petitions challenging the outcome of the presidential election held on 25 February 2023. This judgment was delivered within the statutory time frame under the extant statutes. We acknowledge the Court’s contributions to due process and the seeming attempt to strengthen our democracy.

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“The PEPC has rendered its judgment, but that esteemed body is not the final arbiter. The responsibility now falls on the Supreme Court. I do know that judgment is not coterminous with justice. I implore Nigerians to remain focused, steadfast, and peaceful; abide by the rule of law, and understand that this matter has not reached its logical conclusion.

“Our legal team has already received our firm instruction to file an appeal against the decision. The strength and value of our democracy reside in solid national institutions and our confidence in them. Electoral litigations will be almost unnecessary and nonexistent if the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) discharges its statutory functions creditably, transparently, and with discernible fairness. When that body fails, as it did recently, thus subverting the will of Nigerian voters, the recourse to the judiciary becomes imperative, as is now the case.”

Obi appreciated Nigerians who have supported the campaign for a new Nigeria characterized by fairness, equity, justice, the rule of law, peace, prosperity, inclusiveness, sustainable growth, and development. 

Obi said: “A New Nigeria is possible and achievable. I especially thank our legal team, the Labour Party and Obedient Family, and all those who showed up daily during the court trials. God bless you all, and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Recall that Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) yesterday affirmed the victory of President Bola Tinubu as the Nigeria’s president-elect.