Labour Party vows to challenge presidential election results in court
The vice presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has vowed that his party will seek legal means to contest the electoral process that produced the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.
Baba-Ahmed made the pledge at a press conference held at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday.
Baba-Ahmed stated that the LP was determined to fight the injustice that dashed the hope of distraught Nigerians through all legal and peaceful means.
This is as the LP presidential campaign council claimed that the manner the Independent National Electoral Commission hurriedly announced the results and gave out Certificates of Return to both Tinubu and his running mate, Kashim Shettima, reeks of collusion.
The development is coming barely 24 hours after Tinubu was announced as the winner of Saturday’s presidential poll.
The APC flag bearer polled 8,794,726 votes to defeat his closest rivals, Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party and Labour Party’s Peter Obi who polled 6,984,520 and 6,101,533 votes respectively.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, Baba-Ahmed decried that the election did not meet the minimum standard as prescribed by INEC guideline and the Electoral Act 2022.
He said, “It is our position that the purported result did not meet the minimum criteria of a transparent, free and fair election. In addition to the most condemnable attacks, violence, voter intimidation and suppression, the election was conducted in clear violation of agreed and promised INEC rules and guidelines, the Electoral Act 2002 as amended, and indeed the Nigerian Constitution.
“As evident, the institutions of the State and leaders that were supposed to ensure the sanctity of the election, again and as in the past collaborated and colluded to subvert the will of the good people of Nigeria.
“Please be assured of our determination to fight the injustice that have been perpetrated on Nigerians through all legal and peaceful means.
“While painful, we implore you to please remain peaceful and calm. As our fight and determination for a New Nigeria is just beginning, we equally encourage you all to continue with the campaigns and vote massively for Labour Party in the forthcoming governorship and states house of Assembly election on Saturday 11th March 2023.
“Our Principal, His Excellency Mr Peter Obi will in due course speak to you all and indeed the nation.”
(TNT)
