Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labor Party (LP), rejected Wednesday’s ruling by the Court of Appeal for the Presidential Elections (PEPC) validating the victory of President Bola Tinubu as the winner of the February 25 elections.
Obi spoke at a news conference at his residence in Onitsha, Anambra State, on Thursday.
The five-member PEPC panel, headed by Haruna Tsammani, unanimously rejected the petition filed by the LP candidate challenging the victory of Mr. Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the presidential election.
The court also dismissed the petitions of the PPD candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).
Obi acknowledged that, although the PEPC respected the legal deadlines, he totally disagreed with the justification and the final conclusion of the sentence.
“I express respect for the opinions and rulings of the court, but I openly disagree with the foundations and final conclusions of the sentence,” he said.
Mr Obi, former Governor of Anambra State, announced his intention, as presidential candidate and on behalf of the Labor Party, to immediately challenge the ruling through the appeals process.
According to him, the PEPC is not the ultimate authority in this matter, stressing that the responsibility now lies with the Supreme Court, in which he expressed his confidence.
Obi urged Nigerians to remain focused, steadfast and committed to peaceful processes, while stressing the importance of respecting the rule of law.
He clarified that the matter has not yet reached its logical conclusion.
The LP candidate hinted that his legal team has already received firm instructions to file an appeal against the PEPC decision.
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He expressed unwavering determination in his pursuit of justice, not only for himself but also for the multitude of supporters across the country whose electoral mandate, he said, was unfairly frustrated by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Obi stressed the critical role of strong national institutions and the public’s confidence in them for a prosperous democracy.
He noted that electoral disputes could be significantly reduced if INEC fulfilled its statutory functions in a transparent and fair manner.
Obi expressed his gratitude to all Nigerians who had supported his cause and campaign for a new Nigeria built on principles of equity, justice, rule of law, peace, prosperity, inclusion, sustainable growth and development.
He thanked his legal team, the Labor Party, the Obidient Family and all those who steadfastly assisted in the court process.
(YAYA)