Accept Supreme Court verdict, Atiku tells Imo people

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged the people of Imo State and members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to accept that Supreme Court verdict voiding the election of Emeka Ihedioha as the state governor.

He said in a statement he personally issued in Abuja on Wednesday that as bad as the ruling may seem, it is necessary to accept it because it came from the apex court of the land.

He said he remained solidly behind the PDP where he was the flag bearer in the 2019 presidential election, as he noted that the party provides the hope for Nigerians to break out from the present despotism.

The statement read: “With regards to the judgment of the Supreme Court, which nullified the election of the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Emeka Ihedioha, as Governor of the state of Imo, I can only say that since the Supreme Court is final, we must accept its judgment, however, unexpected and unpalatable it may be, the rule of law must guide our paths even if logic sheds light on a different path.

“Let me state unequivocally that I solidarize with Emeka Ihedioha, a man I know to be a great leader of men and resources. In the fullness of time, I am convinced that he will overcome this setback and emerge stronger.

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“I also stand fully with the Peoples Democratic Party. In good and bad times, we must continue to be the object of hope that the Nigerian people have for their escape from the prevailing despotism and despair that has gripped almost every aspect of our national life. We provided genuine democracy for this nation once before, and I believe it is our destiny to democratically restore what has been lost due to the encroachment of anti-democratic agents.

“Philosophers have said that tough times never last, but that tough people do. I urge the people of Imo and the entirety of the Nigerian people not to give in to despair. This nation has gone through despotic times before, and we have survived them and thrived. I am very confident that this history will repeat itself.

“My greatest desire, and one I hope to see again in my lifetime, is that Nigeria will fulfil its potential as the land of Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress. These four ideals have been missing from our borders for a while, and all freedom-loving Nigerians ought to henceforth work together to bring them back. So help us God.”