Peter Obi: Labour Party finally accepts Tinubu as president

The Labour Party (LP) has officially announced its decision to accept and move on following the Supreme Court’s judgment affirming the victory of President Bola Tinubu in the February 25 election.

Julius Abure, the LP National Chairman, expressed his party’s stance while also leveling accusations against the Supreme Court, stating that it had eroded the principles of justice and good conscience in its rulings.

The five-man panel of justices led by Justice John Okoro dismissed LP presidential candidate Peter Obi’s appeal, which challenged Tinubu’s victory in the presidential election. Obi had raised concerns about Vice President Kashim Shettima’s double nomination and called for Shettima’s disqualification.

Justice Okoro, speaking on behalf of the Supreme Court, ruled that the issue of double nomination had already been addressed when it was before a lower court and, therefore, could not be relitigated. He stated, “This matter ought not to have come here. When the matter was pending at the trial court, this court delivered judgment on it. This appeal lacks merit and is hereby dismissed.”

Similarly, the Supreme Court dismissed the appeal by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, challenging Tinubu’s victory.

In response to the Supreme Court’s verdict, Abure criticized the decision as disappointing and expressed hope for the future. He stated in a release, “The leadership of Labour Party watched as the sacred fabric of justice and good conscience was shredded today at the Supreme Court as it delivered its verdict in the case between our party, the presidential candidate, and the APC presidential candidate.”

He continued, “We are indeed very shocked and surprised that even the apex Court will toe the line of an earlier judgment in spite of all the flaws associated with the judgment delivered by the Presidential Election Appeal Tribunal.”

Despite their disappointment, Abure emphasized that the LP would move forward, remaining optimistic about the future and the nation. He lamented the state of institutions that seemed unable to uphold democracy and the voices of the people, but the party resolved to continue its journey.