On Monday the 29th of May 2023, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, Chief Justice of the Federation, will
swear in Mr Bola Tinubu, Presidential Candidate of the APC, in the disputed outcome of the February
25th 2023, Presidential election.
The reality and tragedy of this Presidential Election, has already been well highlighted, to national and global attention.
On that fateful day, Nigerians from across ethnic, political and social divides, fired by the promises of
President Muhammadu Buhari and Professor Mahmud Yakubu INEC Chairman reinvigorated hope for a new political and administrative order. Having endured untold difficulties and rigors, in obtaining their PVC’s trooped out in their millions to cast their
votes.
In various States, State Governors and public officials, particularly of the APC, directly influenced the voting and threatened, abducted and tortured electoral officials.
However, despite varying serious reports of violence, malfunctioning electoral devices and other hindrances, the voters accreditation and casting process, was fairly satisfactorily conducted.
But after counting of votes, a dark cloud engulfed the Nation. It became clear that the correct password, to transmit the Presidential Election results, electronically and instantly, from the BVAS to the INEC IREV, had been criminally withheld, contrary to specifications of the law and contrary to repeated emphasis, directives and promises to the Nation and its citizens, by Professor Mahmood Yakubu and INEC officials.
This deliberate act of criminal conspiracy, was the beginning of the most bizarre and crazy rigging of
elections in our National history.
As voting concluded, Party Officials, especially from the ruling APC, invaded collation centres nationwide, disrupting the process, inducing and intimidating officials. Manually alteration and
mutilation of result sheets.
All over the country, the pattern of this electoral criminality was consistent – votes lawfully casted for the Labour Party candidate, were changed and reduced, and added to increase votes casted for the
Presidential Candidate of the APC.
This not only formed the basis for the flagrant declarations of results at various levels in many parts of the country, totally at variance with the freely expressed wishes of the people,
but also the basis for the proposed inauguration of the Candidate of the APC, as the President of Nigeria.
As a law abiding and responsible Political Party, and conscious of the overwhelming support we enjoy
across the country, we have taken the matter before the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal, in trust and hope for justice, and we will not comment further.
However, we wish to say strongly, to all Nigerians, and all friends of Nigeria, worldwide: Nigeria has long and ardously suffered, from bad leadership, which has continued to revolve around the same characters, same political parties and same political class.
The massive mobilisation, rejuvenation and affirmation of the people, as expressed in the election of February 25th 2023, was not to hand over the reins of government, to the same people, with historical very bad record of conduct, performance and irresponsibility but for a new order, where the people will have a greater stake in government, and more direct influence in the implementation and supervision of development.
This New Majority of Nigerian people, from all walks of life, who have awakened to a new conciousness,
will not leave the initiative of national development to those who have proved their chronic inability to improve the country by their mismanagement, impunity and their failures.
Our people deserve a government, which can manage the country, for the good of all, with sincerity, creativity and discipline. A government that can reduce the biting tension and difficulties which families face in meeting their living needs and a government that can reduce the reckless corruption, rebuild national institutions and reposition the country, in all ramifications.
That is the trust the people have placed in the Labour Party and the Presidential ticket of Mr Peter Obi and Dr Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed. This is the same burden of trust, we owe the Nigerian people, to see this matter to lawful and logical resolution.
We urge our supporters and all Nigerians to continue to express their passions, emotions and frustrations, within the confines of the law. We have no doubt whatsoever, that in the fullness of time as long as we know the truth and are prepared to keep standing by the truth, Justice shall prevail. And Nigeria will regain the chance for a new direction, love and trust among our people and true national growth.
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Barrister Julius Abure is National Chairman of Labour Party
28-05-2023
