The five-member tribunal had nullified the petitions of Atiku and Obi in the 12-hour judgment delivered on Wednesday.
However, speaking on the development during a press conference at the PDP national secretariat in Abuja, Atiku said his belief that the PEPC’s judgment left a lot to be desired convinced him to direct his legal team to approach the Supreme Court for redress.
“I believe that such is the only way through which our democracy can have a manifest expression of its true meaning. Whether I prevail in this quest or not, the record of my effort in ensuring an order of credible elections in Nigeria shall remain for the future generations to evaluate.” The former vice president slammed the Independent National Electoral Commission for poor management of the last general elections which he said the judiciary had a duty to redress.
Speaking earlier, the Acting National Chairman of the party, Umar Damagum, said the PEPC’s judgment “Left lovers of democracy in and outside the country, more confused with a lot of questions on whether the Nigerian Constitution, electoral act and other laws guiding the conduct of credible election in our country are still functional.’’
“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. Highlighting the fact that the PEPC was not the ultimate authority in the matter, Obi emphasised that the responsibility now rests with the Supreme Court, which he expressed confidence in.
“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 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,’’ he added.
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