Why I’ll pursue justice at Supreme Court – Obi
Following the decision of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal, Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi vowed on Thursday to go to the Supreme Court to seek justice.
Obi made the announcement at a news conference in Onitsha, Anambra state, on Thursday.
He stated that he disagreed with the court's "reasoning and conclusions" in its Wednesday decision.
The former governor of Anambra State further stated that his legal team had been directed to submit an appeal against the verdict.
"Yesterday, September 6, 2023, the Presidential Election Petition Court finally delivered its long-awaited judgments on the Petitions challenging the outcome of the presidential election held on February 25, 2023," Obi stated. This verdict was rendered within the statutory time range established by the existing statutes. We appreciate the Court's contributions to due process and the apparent effort to strengthen our democracy.
"As petitioners in this case, we respect the court's opinions and rulings, but we disagree with the court's reasoning and conclusions in the judgment it issued." As a presidential candidate, and on behalf of the Labour Party, I intend to file an appeal against this ruling as soon as possible, as permitted by the Federal Republic of Nigeria's Constitution.
"The PEPC has rendered its decision, but it is not the final arbiter." The Supreme Court is now held accountable. I am aware that judgment and justice are not synonymous. I ask Nigerians to remain focused, steadfast, and peaceful; to follow the rule of law; and to recognize that this situation has not reached its logical end.
"Our legal team has already been instructed by our firm to file an appeal against the decision." I will not give up the fight for justice, not only for me, but also for our throngs of followers across the country, whose mandate to us at the polls was sadly snuffed out by INEC.
"The strength and value of our democracy are based on strong national institutions and our trust in them." Electoral lawsuits will be essentially non-existent if the Independent National Electoral Commission performs its statutory tasks with credit, transparency, and discernible justice. When that body fails, as it recently did, undermining the will of Nigerian voters, resort to the judiciary becomes necessary, as it is now.
"I am grateful to every Nigerian who has contributed to our cause and campaign for a New Nigeria marked by fairness, equity, justice, the rule of law, peace, prosperity, inclusiveness, sustainable growth, and development." A New Nigeria is both possible and attainable. I want to thank our legal team, the Labour Party, the Obedient Family, and everyone who came to court every day during the trials. God bless you all and the Federal Republic of Nigeria."
