The Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the last general elections, Mr. Peter Obi, has said he will use available constitutional means to challenge the judgement of the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) which threw out his case emanating from the February 25 election.

Obi spoke at a press briefing in Onitsha, Anambra State, on Thursday said he disagreed with the judgement, even as he praised the panel for delivering it in the stipulated time frame.

He said; “In my capacity as a presidential candidate and on behalf of the Labour Party, we will immediately challenge this judgement through the appellate process, as permitted by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“The PEPC is not the ultimate authority in this matter, the responsibility now rests with the Supreme Court, which I have confidence in. I urge Nigerians to maintain their focus, steadfastness, and commitment to peaceful processes. This matter has not yet reached its logical conclusion”. 

He revealed that his legal team has already received firm instructions to file an appeal against the PEPC’s decision. He expressed determination in his pursuit of justice, not only for himself but also for the multitude of supporters across the nation whose electoral mandate he said was unjustly thwarted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). 

Obi underscored the pivotal role of solid national institutions and the public’s confidence in them in a thriving democracy. He pointed out that electoral litigation could be significantly reduced if INEC discharged its statutory functions transparently and fairly. 

“However, when such bodies falter, as INEC did in the conduct of the presidential election, the judiciary becomes an imperative recourse. 

“I will exhaust the process before I can think otherwise. I respect the process. I’m a process person, and what we are going through is what will unite us. You cannot use a wrong premise to make things,” he stated. 

Benue APC Congratulates Tinubu on PEPT Victory

The Benue State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has congratulated President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima on their victory at the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT). 

This is contained in a statement by its Publicity Secretary Mr Daniel Ihomun, made available to the newsmen in Makurdi on Thursday. 

The party expressed deep satisfaction with the PEPT verdict and commended the judges for their sound judgement.

The party also said the judges made decisive pronouncements that would enrich the county’s democracy and the electoral process.

The state chapter of the party also congratulated the National Secretariat of the party on the victory at the tribunal. 

“The victory of President Bola Tinubu at the court is a reaffirmation of the mandate freely given him by Nigerians, believing in his message of ‘Renewed Hope’.

“The ruling of the court is a confirmation of the will of God, the choice of the Nigerian people and the supremacy of the 1999 constitution as amended.

“The party congratulates Mr. President, lovers of democracy and teeming members of the party for this resounding and well-deserved victory at the court,” the party said. 

The party also said the judgement had reinforced the “unwavering faith Nigerians have in our country’s Judicial System.”

He also called on opposition to join hands with the government to build a nation for all Nigerians.

“We call on the opposition to join hands with President Bola Tinubu in his patriotic vision and task of building a strong, united and prosperous Nigeria.” 

The Presidential Tribunal headed by Justice Tsamani on Wednesday threw out the petitions brought before it by Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP), respectively.