Obi: S’court verdict damaged confidence Nigerians have in judiciary

Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 elections, says the judgement of the supreme court that upheld the victory of President Bola Tinubu has damaged the confidence that Nigerians have in the judiciary.

Obi spoke in Abuja on Monday while addressing a press conference.

He also said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) displayed incompetence during the elections.

On October 26, the seven-member panel of the apex court in a unanimous decision dismissed the petitions of Obi and Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) challenging Tinubu’s victory in the February 25 election.

“Our young democracy is ultimately the main victim and casualty of the courtroom drama,” Obi told journalists at the press conference.

“Without equivocation, this judgement amounts to a total breach of the confidence the Nigerian people have in our judiciary.

“As a party and as candidates, Datti and I have now exhausted all legal and constitutional remedies available to us.

“However, this end is only another beginning in our quest for the vindication of the hope of the common man for a better country.

“This year, 2023, has been quite remarkable and revealing. INEC has displayed incompetence in the conduct of its statutory duty.

“Where the value and import of the recent supreme court ruling ends is where our commitment to a new Nigeria begins.

“Our mission and mandate remain unchanged. From the very onset, our mission has been more about enthroning a new Nigeria.

Obi also thanked Nigerians who supported the party in the 2023 polls.

He described the movement of the LP as a “revolution postponed”.

“If there is one thing that has immensely gladdened my heart in the course of the struggle of the past 18 months, it is the passionate desire of our people, especially our young people from across ethnic and religious divides, to construct a new and restructured Nigeria that will work for all Nigerians,” Obi said.

“That goal remains my guiding light and abiding inspiration.

“Finally, I thank all Nigerians who believed in what is now only a revolution postponed.

“We deeply appreciate the unalloyed non-partisan moral support millions of youth and ordinary Nigerians across ethnic, religious, and geopolitical divides have continued to give to Dr. Datti Baba-Ahmed and me.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Nigerians who have supported this mission from the onset.”