Akpabio, Lawan, Barau, laud Election Petition Court verdict on 2023 presidential polls

***Congratulate Tinubu, Shettima, APC

The trio of the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, his deputy Barau Jibrin, immediate past senate president, Ahmad lawan have hailed the judgement of the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC), that unanimously affirmed the victory of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima in the 2023 presidential election.

A statement from media the office of the president of the senate on Thursday, quoted Akpabio to have described the Court verdict as an affirmation of the popular mandate of the Nigerian people for the Tinubu/Shettima ticket of the All Progressives Congress(APC) as delivered at the polls in February.

The Senate President also congratulated President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima on the resounding affirmation of their popular mandate by the well-thought-out judgement of the Court.

Akpabio noted that the five-member panel painstakingly evaluated all the issues raised by the petitioners and delivered a clear verdict on the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process.

He asserted that it was clear for all dispassionate observers that despite the challenges, Nigeria’s electoral process is making a steady progress and deserves the appreciation and support of all Nigerians and friends of Nigeria. 

Akpabio urged Nigerians to continue to support Tinubu government in its drive to deliver the Renewed Hope Agenda of the ruling All ProgressivesCongress (APC).

Senator Barau, in his own statement through his Special Adviser on Media & Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, said the judgement of the tribunal has reaffirmed the choice of Nigerians on President Tinubu.

The five-member tribunal chaired by Justice Haruna Tsammani had on Wednesday upheld the election of President Tinubu. 

While urging all to accept the outcome of the tribunal, he said Nigerians, irrespective of party differences, need to team up with the present administration to address the challenges facing the country.

‘’The judgement of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal on the presidential poll has reaffirmed the choice of the electorate who trooped out on February 25, 2023, to vote for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the president of our beloved country. Now, it is time for all to team up with the President to turn around the fortunes of the country positively for the benefit of all,’’ he said.

He reiterated the commitment of the parliament to come up with legislation to support the various initiatives of the executive in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu.

‘’On our part, as assured by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, we will come up with necessary legislation to support the executive to address the challenges facing our nation. This will be pursued vigorously for the benefit of all,’’ the Deputy President of the Senate said.

Lawan on his part indicated that Tinubu, Shettima’s victory at Tribunal has restored faith In the Judiciary and theElectoral Processes

Lawan who was President of the 9th Senate congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, on their victory at the presidential election tribunal. 

The former Senate President commended the Presidential Election Petition Court for its impartial and unbiased posture in examining petitions brought before the panel by the candidates of opposition political parties, on the basis of available facts and merit. 

“I congratulate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima over their victory at the Presidential Election Petitions Court.

“The affirmation of their election in February this year restores the confidence of Nigerians in the nation’s Judiciary and our electoral processes. 

“I also commend the panel for its resolute and firm posture in ensuring that its judgement was guided by the facts available before the court as against unsubstantiated claims.

“The PEPC judgment sends a clear message to politicians that the judiciary understands its limit and refuses to be an arbiter on matters within the jurisdiction of political parties.

“In addition, the decision by candidates of some political parties to contest the outcome of the 2023 Presidential election, provided the opportunity to test the provisions of the Electoral Act passed by the 9th Assembly, in a way that further  deepens our nation’s democratic processes.

“Efforts must, accordingly, be made by the 10th Assembly to consolidate on the gains of the Electoral Act by ensuring further amendments to the law, in a bid strengthen the Independent National Electoral Commission and our electoral processes. 

“I also urge the presidential candidates of the People’s Democratic Party and the Labour Party, to join forces with the Tinubu-led administration in delivering good governance to Nigerians,” Lawan in a statement said.