LAGOS/Nigeria: The Atiku Diaspora Support Group, a fervent supporter of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the PDP Candidate in the Feb. 25 Presidential Election, has spoken out about Nigerians’ concerns regarding the poll. According to the group’s Founder, High Chief Franklin Ekechukwu, the only way to assuage these misgivings is by ensuring an independent judiciary.
In a statement released on Monday in Lagos, Ekechukwu emphasized the group’s optimism about the outcome of the court proceedings, expressing hope that the judiciary’s decision would be in favor of Atiku Abubakar. “If the judiciary, in this case, the tribunal, follows the rule of law and addresses the case according to the electoral law and constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended,” he stated, “the Nigerian people will be satisfied with its judgment.”
The Founder cited numerous violations of the law during the election, alleging that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) failed to adhere to established rules and regulations. He stressed that the Nigerian people desire an independent judiciary that upholds the constitution and enforces the rule of law without bias or favoritism.
Ekechukwu expressed confidence in the upcoming tribunal verdict, stating that it would be “very unlikely” for the tribunal to rule contrary to the desires of the people and against the law. He warned that any ruling differing from the law would indicate a compromised judiciary and could be a blow to democracy in Nigeria.
Regarding the disqualification of other candidates, Ekechukwu claimed that Atiku Abubakar’s disqualification was unlikely since the other candidates had more significant issues, such as forgery, falsification of information, double nomination, and manipulation of election results.
He further criticized the conduct of the INEC, referring to reports from the EU and other observer groups that suggested the electoral body had been compromised. Ekechukwu urged the judiciary to carefully consider the evidence presented before the tribunal, including the observers’ reports, to ensure a just verdict.
In conclusion, Ekechukwu called on the judiciary to rise to the occasion and reaffirm its position as the final authority in Nigeria’s democratic system. He dismissed claims that nullifying the election would lead to chaos, emphasizing that the right decision would restore the judiciary’s lost glory.
As the tribunal prepares to announce its verdict, all eyes are on the Nigerian judiciary, and the world watches closely to witness the course of justice in this pivotal moment for the nation.
