In a stunning turn of events, the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ibrahim Abdullahi, has expressed his deep disappointment with the ruling of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal. The tribunal recently dismissed all petitions filed by the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and his counterpart from the Labour Party, Peter Obi, against President Bola Tinubu, confirming Tinubu’s victory in the February 14 presidential election.
Abdullahi, in an interview on Arise Television, shared his astonishment at the tribunal’s decision, questioning why the judges ruled that there was nothing wrong with the last presidential election. He argued that the evidence presented by the PDP should have been sufficient to nullify the election and order a rerun.
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“There was a lot of evidence that was provided by the parties to nullify the election,” Abdullahi stated. “If the judges had nullified the election and ordered a rerun, it would’ve made a lot of sense. But for the respected judges to say that from the beginning to the end, there’s nothing wrong with the election; it’s a shock to us. We are yet to recover from the shock.”
The ruling has sent shockwaves through the PDP, leaving many party members and supporters disheartened. The PDP had hoped that the tribunal would recognize the alleged irregularities and discrepancies in the election process, leading to a different outcome. However, the judges’ decision has dashed those hopes.
Abdullahi’s disappointment reflects the sentiment of many PDP members who firmly believed that the evidence presented during the tribunal hearings was compelling enough to warrant a rerun. The party had meticulously outlined various instances of alleged electoral malpractice, including voter intimidation, ballot box stuffing, and manipulation of results.
The PDP had also argued that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) failed to conduct a free and fair election, citing instances of technical glitches with the card readers and the reported disappearance of result sheets in some polling units.
Given these circumstances, the PDP had expected a different outcome from the tribunal. The party firmly believed that the evidence it presented would be enough to sway the judges in favor of nullifying the election and ordering a fresh one.
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Abdullahi’s disappointment is not without merit. The ruling has left many questioning the integrity of the electoral process and the judiciary’s role in upholding democratic principles. It is crucial to note that the PDP’s disappointment does not imply an attack on the judiciary but rather a call for a thorough examination of the evidence presented.
The PDP, as the main opposition party in Nigeria, remains committed to democracy and the rule of law. The party has stated that it will explore all legal avenues available to seek redress and ensure that justice is served. This commitment underscores the importance of a robust and independent judiciary in upholding the tenets of democracy.
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As the PDP regroups and strategizes its next steps, the ruling of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal will undoubtedly shape the political landscape in Nigeria. The outcome of this case will set a precedent for future electoral disputes, emphasizing the need for transparency, fairness, and accountability in the electoral process.
In conclusion, the ruling of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal has left the PDP in a state of shock and disappointment. Abdullahi’s expression of disbelief and frustration echoes the sentiments of many party members and supporters. As the PDP explores legal avenues to seek redress, the outcome of this case will have far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s democracy and the credibility of its electoral system.
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