The Supreme Court has solidified the All Progressives Congress’ triumph in the presidential election held on February 25, putting an end to the vehement appeals from the opposition. The court dismissed the petitions filed by the Peoples Democratic Party’s Atiku Abubakar and the Labour Party’s Peter Obi, asserting that they lacked merit, thus validating President Bola Tinubu’s eligibility to hold the presidential office.
Shortly after the ruling, President Tinubu lauded the unwavering resilience of the nation’s judiciary, expressing his contentment with the court’s decision, which ultimately quelled the persisting disquietude surrounding the election’s outcome.
“While the verdict of today has laid to rest the agitating discourse over who truly won the 2023 Presidential election and met the constitutional requirements as laid out by law, I want to reiterate that my faith in our nation’s judiciary has never been shaken, not even for a moment, because I know that our hallowed courts of law will not fail to administer justice to all Nigerians in all matters and at all times,” he said.
“Despite the fusillade of pressure and attempts at intimidation by some political actors, the judiciary demonstrated its unequivocal commitment to upholding the rule of law for the upliftment and defence of humanity.”
“Your Jobs has been secured” PBAT said to his Appointees.
Supreme Court Upholds Tinubu’s Victory in Presidential Election, Dismisses Atiku, Obi’s Appeals
See full statement below:
STATEMENT BY H.E. PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU, GCFR
IT IS TIME FOR US TO BUILD OUR GREAT NATION TOGETHER
I welcome the verdict of the Justice John I. Okoro-led Panel of the Supreme Court on the Presidential Election petitions filed by the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party and the Labour Party, challenging the ruling of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal.
The court has done justice to all issues put up for consideration in the petitions on the merits of the law, without fear or favour.
There is no doubt, with the profound judgment of today, that our electoral jurisprudence and constitutional democracy are further consolidated and embedded more indelibly in our national identity because of the diligence and undaunted professionalism of the Honourable Justices who presided over the matter.
While the verdict of today has laid to rest the agitating discourse over who truly won the 2023 Presidential election and met the constitutional requirements as laid out by law, I want to reiterate that my faith in our nation’s judiciary has never been shaken, not even for a moment, because I know that our hallowed courts of law will not fail to administer justice to all Nigerians in all matters and at all times. Despite the fusillade of pressure and attempts at intimidation by some political actors, the judiciary demonstrated its unequivocal commitment to upholding the rule of law for the upliftment and defense of humanity.
It was affirmed once more today, that my party, the governing All Progressives’ Congress, had freely and fairly won the popular mandate of Nigerians, which has since given rise to my leadership of this great nation at a tumultuous period of unprecedented reforms in our history as a nation.
With deep gratitude to God Almighty, I solemnly and humbly accept today’s judicial victory with an intense sense of responsibility and a burning desire to meet the great challenges confronting our people.
The victory of today has further energised and strengthened my commitment to continue to serve all Nigerians of all political persuasions, tribes, and faiths, with honour and total respect for the diverse opinions and uniting values of our citizens.
Our Renewed Hope agenda for a greater and prosperous Nigeria has further gained momentum and I will continue to work from morning to night, every single day, to build a country that meets our collective yearnings and aspirations.
We are all members of one household, and this moment demands that we continue to work and build our country together. The strength of our diversity and the great citizenship that binds us must now compel us forward in directing the energy of our people towards building a virile, stronger, united, and more prosperous country.
In the days and months ahead, I trust that the spirit of patriotism will be elevated into supporting our administration to improve the living conditions of Nigerians. I am prepared to welcome the contributions of all Nigerians to foster and strengthen our collective progress.
I send my immense gratitude to all Nigerians for the mandate to serve our country. I promise again to meet and exceed your expectations in service delivery and good governance, working with my team and trusting in the grace of God.
May God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu
President and Commander-in-Chief, Federal Republic of Nigeria
October 26, 2023
D-Day: Supreme Court to Rule on Atiku-Obi Challenge to Tinubu’s Victory
Buhari Reacts….
Former President Muhammadu Buhari has praised the Supreme Court decision affirming President Bola Tinubu’s election, urging the opposition to collaborate with the Nigerian leader.
Buhari’s remarks were conveyed in a statement released by his spokesperson, Garba Shehu, shortly after the highest court rejected appeals by Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s Atiku Abubakar.
“Now that we have arrived at the last bus stop, after a tortuous 8-months of expensive legal journey, the nation deserves a break. The opposition has fought a good fight. Having now exhausted their rights as constitutionally allowed, they should take the hand of fellowship extended by the Tinubu/Shettima and the APC government,” he was quoted as saying in the statement.
“Let them allow the Government to run their administration and the people to enjoy the full benefits of the promises the All Progressives Congress (APC) made.”
He emphasized that the ruling brings a sense of relief to him and a significant portion of Nigeria’s population.
Buhari believes that the verdict is “a reaffirmation of the will of the majority of the people against the determined will of a hard-fighting minority”.
However, he voiced concern about the low voter turnout nationwide, particularly in urban regions, advocating for a transformation due to the recognition and vitality of democracy in Nigeria.
“He wishes the President and his team a successful term in office,” Garba Shehu’s statement read.
Gbajabiamila Calls for Peace…..
Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, has urged both Atiku Abubakar, the Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, and Peter Obi, his Labour Party counterpart, to acknowledge and embrace the Supreme Court’s verdict, calling for unity for the betterment of Nigeria.
After an extended period of legal battles, the highest court of the country upheld Tinubu’s victory in the 2023 election.
The unanimous decision by Justice John Okoro and the panel, comprising Uwani Aji, Mohammed Garba, Ibrahim Saulawa, Adamu Jauro, Abubakar Tijjani, and Emmanuel Agim, concluded that the appeals brought forth by Obi and Abubakar against Tinubu lacked substance and were rightfully dismissed.
Speaking to the press directly after the ruling within the courtroom in Abuja on Thursday, the former Speaker of the House of Representatives labeled the legal disputes as distractions and affirmed that Tinubu would continue to extend a hand of fellowship to Atiku, Obi, and other Nigerian citizens.
He stated,
“The litigation is a distraction. The litigants exercise their rights to go to court. But that has come to an end now. We now have to all come together as one country or one people and move ahead to take this country where it rightfully should be.”
Supreme Court Affirms Tinubu’s Election as President
The Chief of Staff to the President characterized the Supreme Court’s ruling as exceptionally robust, meeting high standards in every respect.
He added,
“We shouldn’t take things personally. If you listened carefully to the judgment, the judgment was very sound by any objective and supported with facts, with cases.”
Gbajabiamila continued,
“The president is a democrat, he has always extended his hands of fellowship. He’s always done that he will continue to do that, and will continue to do so on his behalf. Governance is about everybody. It’s not about a party. It’s not about an individual. If we do not come together now. then we’ll have ourselves to blame.
“The elections are over. Litigation is over. All litigation has come to an end. Now’s the time for governments; distractions are over. So yes, Mr. President, the APC and all right-thinking members of society must come together no matter what party you belong to, to address the issue of governance.”
