Former Vice President and 2023 PDP Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has publicly expressed his disappointment with the judgment delivered by the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) on the 2023 presidential election. Abubakar, who has a long history of legal battles, stated that the ruling “falls far short” of his expectations for justice and fair hearing.

A Sanctuary of Justice

“At the core of my political career lies a deep respect for the judiciary as a sanctuary of justice,” said Atiku Abubakar. “I have always been a fighter, and the judiciary has been a reliable pillar in my pursuit of justice.”

INEC’s Role Questioned

Abubakar criticised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for compromising the transparency of the election through its management. “The judgment failed to restore confidence in our dreams of free and fair elections devoid of human manipulations,” he added.

The Appeal Process

The former Vice President announced that he has instructed his lawyers to appeal the judgment at the Supreme Court. “The electoral process in Nigeria should reflect the wishes of the electorate,” Abubakar emphasised.

A Message to Supporters

Abubakar urged his supporters to remain steadfast, quoting his late mentor, Shehu Yar’Adua: “Losing a battle is less important than losing the war.” He expressed his belief that the fight to restore confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system is far from over.