The Labour Party Presidential candidate in the 2023 Presidential election, Peter Obi has criticized the Supreme Court’s decision, which upheld Bola Tinubu’s election as Nigeria’s president, characterizing it as a betrayal of citizens’ trust in the judiciary.
The apex court recently dismissed the appeals of Obi, and Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who challenged Tinubu’s victory at the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC).
In response to the Supreme Court ruling, Obi accused the highest court of disregarding evidence, which, he argued, further erodes the public’s faith in the judicial system. During a world press conference held at the LP National Headquarters in Abuja on Monday, Obi stated, “Without a doubt, this judgment constitutes a significant breach of the trust that the Nigerian people have in our judiciary. To that extent, it demonstrates an excessive exercise of authority against the very Nigerian people from whom the Constitution’s power is derived.”
Obi went on to explain that the Supreme Court ruling may reflect the state of the law in 2023, but it does not align with the present demand for substantive justice. He also referenced comments made by Hon. Justice Musa Dattijo Muhammad, (JSC) on October 27, 2023, which, he believes, shed light on the rationale behind the Supreme Court judgment.
Despite the Supreme Court’s decision, Obi assured his supporters that the pursuit of a new Nigeria has not come to an end. He emphasized that their mission remains unaltered, focusing on building a new Nigeria that prioritizes effective governance, economic productivity, poverty alleviation, transparency, and equitable resource distribution.
“In the new Nigeria, we aim to address all unmet needs by showing compassion for all those left behind by the present system,” Obi added.
