4 Key Points from Atiku's Official Reaction to Tribunal's Judgement

FCT, Abuja - Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has rejected the verdict of the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal (PEPT) which affirmed President Bola Tinubu’s victory at the February 2023 poll.

On Wednesday, September 6, the tribunal threw out the former vice-president's petitions against Tinubu. But Atiku vowed to 'pursue justice' at the Supreme Court.

Legit.ng captures 4 key points from Atiku's speech at the PDP's world press conference held on Thursday, September 7.

1) Election: 'INEC compromised', Atiku

Atiku alleged that the PDP's "gains" in ensuring transparent elections in Nigeria through the deployment of technology "were heavily compromised" by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the way it managed the last presidential election.

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He also expressed fear that the judgement of the PEPT "failed to restore confidence in our dreams of free and fair elections devoid of human manipulations."

2) 'My ultimate goal is strengthening democracy': Atiku

Atiku reiterated that his ultimate goal of pursuing his mandate at the tribunal was to strengthen democratic principles and processes of fair hearing.

He said it was one of the main reasons why he instructed his lawyers to file a petition challenging the outcome of the February presidential election.

3) 'Tribunal's judgement falls far short of expectation'

Atiku lamented that the PEPT's verdict "falls far short of expectation," and added that he would not accept it.

He said:

"I refuse to accept the judgment because I believe that it is bereft of substantial justice."

The former vice-president vowed to continue the "the war" to restore confidence in the country's electoral system.

Read also

Election petition: PDP breaks silence over tribunal loss to Tinubu, APC

4) Atiku taking matter to Supreme Court

Speaking further, the Adamawa-born politician said he has directed his lawyers to activate his rights of appeal to the apex court.

His words:

"It is my conviction that the electoral process in Nigeria should be devoid of untidy manipulations and that the outcome of every election should be a perfect reflection of the wishes of the electorate."

Atiku addresses Nigerians at world press conference

Earlier, Legit.ng reported on Atiku's plan to speak at a 'world press conference'.

This came after the PEPT threw out his case and upheld the victory of Tinubu.

Atiku, 76, has contested unsuccessfully for the Nigerian presidency on six occasions -- in 1993, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023.

Source: Legit.ng