PEPC judgement – Peter Obi heads to Supreme Court

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), has rejected Wednesday’s judgement of the
Presidential Elections Petition Court (PEPC) validating the victory of President Bola Tinubu as the winner of the 25 February election.

Mr Obi spoke at a news conference at his Onitsha, Anambra State residence on Thursday.

The five-member panel of the PEPC, led by Haruna Tsammani, in a unanimous ruling , dismissed the petition filed by the LP candidate challenging the victory of Mr Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress(APC) in the presidential election.

The court also dismissed the petitions of the candidate of the PDP, Atiku Abubakar, and the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).

Mr Obi acknowledged that though the PEPC adhered to the statutory time frames, he totally disagreed with the judgement’s rationale and final conclusion.

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“I express respect for the court’s views and rulings but openly disagree with the judgment’s rationale and final conclusions,” he said.

Mr Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, announced his intention, in his capacity as a presidential candidate and on behalf of the Labour Party, to immediately challenge the judgement through the appellate process.

According to him, the PEPC is not the ultimate authority in this matter, emphasising that the responsibility now rests with the Supreme Court, which he expressed confidence in.

Mr Obi urged Nigerians to maintain their focus, steadfastness, and commitment to peaceful processes while emphasizing the importance of adhering to the rule of law.

He made it clear that the matter has not yet reached its logical conclusion.

The LP candidate hinted that his legal team has already received firm instructions to file an appeal against the PEPC’s decision.

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He expressed unwavering determination in his pursuit of justice, not only for himself but also for the multitude of supporters across the nation whose electoral mandate he said was unjustly thwarted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Mr Obi underscored the pivotal role of solid national institutions and the public’s confidence in them for a thriving democracy.

He pointed out that electoral litigations could be significantly reduced if INEC discharged its statutory functions transparently and fairly.

Mr Obi extended his gratitude to every Nigerian who had supported their cause and the campaign for a new Nigeria built on principles of fairness, equity, justice, the rule of law, peace, prosperity, inclusiveness, sustainable growth, and development.

He thanked his legal team, the Labour Party, the Obidient Family, and all those who steadfastly attended the court proceedings.

(NAN)