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Akinwande Soji-Ojo
The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, on Thursday resolved to challenge the judgement of the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal that affirmed the victory of President Bola Tinubu at the February 25, 2023 election at the Supreme Court.
Addressing a world press conference at the PDP secretariat in Abuja, Atiku said his resolve to challenge the tribunal judgement was borne out of his commitment to entrench a credible democratic process.
The PDP candidate said he was not new to legal battles, adding that he would continue to explore the judiciary for respite.
“I believe 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 emulate,” the former vice president said.
Atiku, who came second behind Tinubu in the election, said the tribunal judgement affirmingpresident’s victory failed to restore confidence.
“Though the judgement of yesterday is respected, it is a judgement I refused to accept. I refused to accept the judgement because I believe it is bereft of substantial justice.
“It is my conviction that the electoral process in Nigeria should be devoid of untidy manipulations and the outcome of every election should be a perfect reflection of the wishes of the electorates,” he added.