Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has expressed his disappointment with the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold Bola Tinubu as the victor of the February 25th Presidential election. Obi claimed at a press conference in Abuja that the verdict had harmed Nigeria’s democracy.
Obi, who admitted to benefiting from past Supreme Court verdicts on election affairs, openly opposed the decision. He accused the Supreme Court of rejecting public opinion, abdicating its function as a court of law and policy, and ignoring convincing evidence of election manipulation, INEC rule violations, and other claims.
The former presidential candidate went on to add that the ruling enabled constitutional violations affecting presidential candidate credentials and had placed a moral weight on the country’s conscience. He expressed fear that the judgment will weaken Nigerians’ trust in the judiciary and harm the country’s democracy.
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While acknowledging that the Supreme Court is the final stop in the pursuit for legal finality, Obi underlined that the verdict did not address the current demand for substantive justice. He said that the court arbitrarily applied technicalities and that both INEC and the Supreme Court changed the goalposts during the election.
Obi stated that he will continue to advocate for a new Nigeria that promotes responsible resource management, transparency, accountability, and equitable distribution of opportunities, resources, and privileges. He emphasized the importance of robust political opposition, citing the current administration’s aims as being at odds with the policies he championed throughout his campaign.
Finally, Obi extended gratitude to Nigerians, particularly the youth, for their support and announced that the fight for a new Nigeria was only getting started. He vowed to remain in opposition and work for a Nigeria that benefits all residents.
The Supreme Court’s decision has sparked controversy and worries about Nigeria’s democracy and legal system. Obi’s remarks mirror the broader debate about the recent election outcome and its ramifications for the country’s political environment.