As the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal hearing is set to begin on Monday, May 8, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd), a former Head of State, has urged Nigerians to accept the court’s decision as final once it is delivered. He made this appeal at a symposium in honour of a one-time Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Chike Idigbe on Thursday.
Gowon emphasized that Nigerians should allow the judiciary to do its work without interference, as it plays a crucial role in the unity of the country. He also called for calm and respect for the rule of law during and after the tribunal’s proceedings.
The event was attended by some prominent legal figures and political leaders, including former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Alfa Belgore, Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Clem Agba, and some Senior Advocates of Nigeria.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Bola Tinubu, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as the winner of the February 25 presidential election, citing his party’s majority of votes cast. However, the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP), Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi respectively, have filed separate petitions seeking to annul the election or declare themselves as the winners of the polls.
The tribunal’s decision will have significant implications for the country’s political future, and General Gowon’s call for acceptance of the ruling is critical to maintaining peace and stability. Nigerians are urged to remain calm and patient as the tribunal deliberates on the petitions.
