Tinubu, Atiku, Obi must commit to uniting Nigeria, says Olawepo-Hashim

Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), says President Bola Tinubu, Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi must commit themselves to the task of uniting Nigeria.

Olawepo-Hashim, in a statement on Sunday, congratulated Tinubu for his victory at the supreme court.

Last Thursday, a seven-member panel of the apex court led by Inyang Okoro dismissed the appeals of Atiku, presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and his Labour Party (LP) counterpart, Obi.

The supreme court affirmed the verdict of the presidential petition tribunal that upheld the victory of Tinubu in the February 25 presidential election.

Reacting to the development, Olawepo-Hashim said the legal disputes raised by Obi and Atiku will enrich the country’s democracy and electoral processes.

The APC presidential hopeful said Tinubu can now focus on “rescuing” the country’s economy.

“Although the legal challenges to the outcome of the 2023 presidential election have come and gone, rounding up with the verdict of the supreme court on sundry appeals on October 26,” he said.

“I want to congratulate President Tinubu for a hard-won victory.

“I also extend my commendation to Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the PDP, and Mr Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party at the 2023 Presidential election.

“The dogged but civil challenges mounted by the duo after the election are important contributions to our democracy and will enrich our jurisprudence.

“Both the winner and those whose petitions did not succeed at the courts must now commit themselves as leaders to the important tasks of uniting the country.

“They must secure the nation, rescue the economy, and improve the welfare of our people.”

Olawepo-Hashim asked the opposition parties to embrace unity in order to remain relevant in the country’s political arena.

He said Nigerians demand more seriousness from political leaders.