On Wednesday, All Progressives Grand Alliance founder Chief Chekwas Okorie expressed delight with the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal’s Abuja decision.
He remarked that Atiku and Obi relied on technical arguments before the tribunal rather than naming the polling locations where they were denied valid votes.
I am not shocked by the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT) verdict. I reviewed the petitions of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of the PDP and Peter Obi of the Labour Party before proceeding.
“I was convinced that the petitioners failed to indicate the polling units or collation centres where they were denied valid votes, which might have won either of them the election. Instead of proving serious election law violations, they relied on technical arguments to win their petitions. Their plan failed.
The unwary may see that the writers of the 1999 constitution did not mean to give the Federal Capital Territory, FTC, more excellent status to the other states. The discerning public that painstakingly followed the unanimous judgements by the five Tribunal judges, which lasted more than 10 hours and was broadcast live by all major television and radio networks in Nigeria, knows that President Tinubu was the lawful winner of the February 25, 2023, Presidential election.
He praised Tinubu and said the results would stay the same whether Atiku and Obi appeal the judgements.
Okorie added, “While the petitioners may decide to use their right of appeal, l do not foresee a different decision. I extend my congratulations to President Tinubu and Senator Kashim Shettima.
“The President should concentrate on running a difficult nation without distractions.
“In addition to fulfilling his campaign pledges, Nigeria’s geopolitical framework must be reset.”
He said, “President Tinubu is a well-known proponent of genuine federalism. So much is expected of him. He can lead Nigeria to quick and lasting growth. Prayers and cooperation with the President are requested from Nigerians.
I encourage opposition critics to be constructive and patriotic in their critique of government policies and conduct.
The Legislature should review electoral legislation to eliminate gaps and ambiguities, reducing future election contentiousness.
