Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi Decries Delay of Judgment Copies and Vows to Challenge PEPT Decision
In the aftermath of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal’s (PEPT) ruling on the 2023 presidential election, the political landscape in Nigeria continues to buzz with activity. Here are the latest developments:
Atiku Abubakar Awaits Judgment Copies for Supreme Court Appeal
Three days have passed since the PEPT delivered its judgment on the February 25 presidential poll, yet the Certified True Copies (CTCs) of the judgment have not been provided to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Atiku’s Special Assistant on Public Communications, Phrank Shaibu, expressed concern over this delay, as Atiku and his legal team have only 14 days to file their appeal to the Supreme Court.
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In a statement released on Friday, Shaibu stated, “By not making available to Atiku and PDP the CTCs of the judgment for their filings at the Supreme Court, the PEPT is undermining Atiku’s and Nigerians’ quest for justice.” He reminded the PEPT of the court’s emphasis on adhering strictly to the time schedule set for legal proceedings.
Shaibu pointed out that three crucial days of the 14-day limit for filing at the highest court have already been wasted due to this delay. He cautioned that the same court that struck out some of Atiku’s witnesses’ testimonies in the court of first instance due to late filing now risks disqualifying Atiku and PDP’s appeal to the Supreme Court based on the deadline.
Peter Obi Challenges PEPT Ruling
In a separate development, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, vehemently disagreed with the PEPT’s judgment, which upheld the declaration of President Bola Tinubu as the winner of the February 25 presidential election.
Obi, speaking in Onitsha, Anambra State, acknowledged the PEPT’s adherence to statutory timeframes and respect for the court’s views and rulings. However, he emphasized that the PEPT is not the ultimate authority in the matter. He pledged to challenge the judgment through the appellate process, in his capacity as a presidential candidate and on behalf of the LP.
“The responsibility is now with the Supreme Court, which I have confidence in, to clear that the matter has not yet reached its logical conclusion,” Obi declared. He noted that his legal team had received instructions to file an appeal against the PEPT’s decision, expressing determination in the pursuit of justice for himself and his supporters.
Obi also stressed the importance of transparent and fair functioning by electoral bodies like INEC to reduce the necessity for electoral litigations. He called on Nigerians to maintain their focus, steadfastness, and commitment to peace while emphasizing the significance of adhering to the rule of law.
As these developments unfold, Nigeria’s political landscape remains dynamic, with all eyes now turning towards the Supreme Court for the final word on the 2023 presidential election. Stay tuned to VOTP NEWS for the latest updates on this developing story and more.
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