President Bola Tinubu says he welcomed Wednesday’s judgement of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT) which affirmed his victory in the February 25 presidential election.
Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale said this in a statement.
The five-man panel of justices led by Justice Haruna Tsammani affirmed that Tinubu is returned as duly elected president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, having concluded and decided that all three petitions filed to challenge his victory are all devoid of merit.
In the statement, Tinubu said he welcomed the tribunal’s verdict with an intense sense of solemn responsibility and preparedness to serve all Nigerians, irrespective of all diverse political persuasions, faiths, and tribal identities.
The president assured Nigerians of his renewed and energised focus on delivering his vision of a unified, peaceful and prosperous nation.
“The President recognises the diligence, undaunted thoroughness, and professionalism of the five-member bench, led by Justice Haruna Tsammani in interpreting the law.
“The President affirms that his commitment to the rule of law, and the unhindered discharge of duties by the Tribunal, as witnessed in the panel’s exclusive respect for the merits of the petitions brought forward, further reflect the continuing maturation of Nigeria’s legal system, and the advancement of Africa’s largest democracy at a time when our democratic system of government is under test in other parts of the continent.
“The President believes the Presidential Candidates and Political Parties that have lawfully exercised their rights by participating in the 2023 general elections and the judicial process, which followed, have affirmed Nigeria’s democratic credentials,” the statement read in part.
The president urged his valiant challengers to inspire their supporters in the trust that the spirit of patriotism will now and forever be elevated above partisan considerations, manifesting into support for his government to improve the livelihood of all Nigerians.
“Once more, President Tinubu thanks Nigerians for the mandate given to him to serve our country while promising to meet and exceed their expectations, by the grace of God Almighty, and through very diligent hard work with the team that has been put in place for that sole purpose,” the statement further read.