The All Progressives Congress, APC, has described the Peoples Democratic Party’s reaction to the tribunal verdict upholding the election of Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, as an assault on the judiciary’s integrity.
In a statement by Mr. Steve Otaloro, the party’s State Director, Media & Publicity, it said the PDP should tender an unreserved apology to the nation’s judiciary over the alleged insinuations in its reaction to the verdict.
Following is the full text of the statement titled “PDP’s Reaction to Election Tribunal Verdict ‘A Clear Attempt to Intimidate Judiciary’ – APC”
“The press statement issued by the PDP reacting to the Electoral Tribunal verdict delivered last week, particularly the assertion that APC members and supporters arrived at the Court on judgment day in a celebratory mood, indicative of prior knowledge of the verdict to be delivered, is an unfortunate comment that serves as an unwarranted assault on the integrity of Nigeria’s judicial system.
Such insinuations not only undermine the hard work and dedication of the judiciary but also disrespect the democratic process that the electorate engaged in during the recent governorship election.
We call on the PDP to tender an unreserved apology to the Nigerian judiciary and to the thousands of voters who participated in the election, which culminated in an unprecedented and overwhelming victory for Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
It is evident that the PDP’s disappointment stems from their inability to secure a favourable verdict, a result they had hoped would allow them to usurp the mandate given to the APC by the electorate.
Their claims of judicial challenges are nothing more than a reaction to their electoral loss, revealing a pattern of behavior where the PDP only praises the judiciary when it aligns with their interests. Had the verdict favoured them, they would have undoubtedly lauded the very system they now seek to vilify.
The PDP’s loss at the election tribunal was not a mere coincidence; it was a reflection of the resounding defeat they suffered at the polls, where they lost all 18 local governments, including the local government of their own governorship candidate, Agboola Alfred Ajayi. This overwhelming defeat is a clear indication of the electorate’s choice and their trust in the APC.
While the PDP claims it will appeal the judgment, its preemptive chastisement of the judiciary only serves to intimidate the process, a tactic that will ultimately fail. It is a clever but misguided strategy that seeks to undermine the rule of law and the impartiality of our judicial system.
Instead of focusing their energy on a lost governorship battle, we urge the PDP to confront the pressing issues within its own party, including the ongoing disintegration and waves of defections that threaten its very existence. The internal strife and leadership conflicts at the national executive levels of the PDP are far more significant challenges that require their attention.
Finally, we advise the good people of Ondo State to continue supporting their government, which is tirelessly working for the overall good of the state. We encourage them to disregard the unfounded rants from the PDP, which are aimed at blackmailing the judiciary and undermining the democratic process in their desperate attempt to reclaim a mandate that was decisively given to the APC.
The people of Ondo State deserve better than to be subjected to the theatrics of a party struggling to cope with its failures.”
