Nigerians are bracing themselves for the apparent ascension of Bola Tinubu to the presidency. The Supreme Court’s recent decision to uphold his electoral victory has stirred controversy, as many ponder whether the judiciary and legislative arms of government have fallen under the sway of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a rather sardonic press conference held shortly after the apex court dismissed appeals from Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP), Julius Abure, LP’s Chairman, expressed the party’s disappointment. However, he emphasized their determination to maintain optimism about the nation’s future.
A panel of seven judges, led by Justice John Iyang Okoro, ruled against the opposition’s claims of fraud, electoral law violations, and Tinubu’s eligibility. The verdict has left a bitter taste for Abure, who suggested that Nigeria is on a perilous path toward dictatorship.
“We are indeed very shocked and surprised that even the apex court will toe the line of an earlier judgement in spite of all the flaws associated with the judgement delivered by the Presidential Election Appeal Tribunal.”
In the face of this disheartening outcome, Abure maintained that they had no choice but to move forward, despite their dismay. He lamented the state of Nigeria’s institutions and their apparent inability to protect democracy and the voices of the people.
Abure continued, “What transpired in Nigeria since the February 25 presidential election is a clear testament that our institutions are not working and that we may be sliding towards dictatorship. It is very clear that the executive has hijacked both the judiciary and the legislature. This is so unfortunate for our democracy and it is even more for the people of Nigeria.”
He also alleged that government vilification campaigns have targeted some party leaders, including himself and Peter Obi, in an effort to suppress their political aspirations.
In a plea to the international community, Abure urged them to defend democracy in Nigeria and called on Nigerians not to lose hope. “We are hopeful that we will get to our destination someday because where there is a will, certainly, there will be a way. A new Nigeria is still possible.”
As the nation grapples with economic challenges, rising insecurity, and food shortages, the call for genuine change resonates more than ever. Nigerians yearn for tangible improvement rather than mere hope, given the pressing issues that have gripped the country.
