The former governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, now the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, responded to the verdict rendered by the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC), emphasizing that election challenges cannot be determined through public declarations.
According to the Vanguard, speaking during an interview on Channels TV’s program Politics Today, he said, “I have always explained that election petitions represent a distinct category of legal proceedings, different from mere propaganda. It constitutes a distinct realm. It isn’t won through social media campaigns.”
“Success in an election petition hinges on the presentation of concrete evidence and factual information, not mere declarations made to rally supporters.”
He recounted his examination of the judicial process, stating, “I dedicated over 10 hours to scrutinizing the meticulous approach of the justices.
They methodically addressed each facet of the case, beginning with preliminary objections, procedural motions, objections about documents and exhibits, and ending in the examination of substantive issues.”
“I was convinced that the Labour Party aspirant, Peter Obi, would not emerge victorious in the election. To be candid, the election was fiercely contested, and credit must be given to INEC.”
“A shift in generational preferences was evident; the youth expressed weariness. Hence, they inclined to cast their votes in favor of Obi as a younger alternative amid the array of candidates.”
“Previously, Peter Obi successfully reclaimed his governorship mandate through the Supreme Court; the judiciary did the right thing. However, the recent verdict by the PEPC is seen as a judicial incongruity.”
“Did Peter Obi not secure victory at the Supreme Court when he faced removal from office as governor? Did he resort to bribery? These are questions he should address to the world. The judiciary’s credibility was upheld then, but its recent decision has raised doubts.”
NigeriaNow (
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