A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Olisa Agbakoba, has urged the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in last Saturday’s election, Atiku Abubakar, not to approach the court because of his loss.
Atiku lost the presidential election to incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and has rejected the presidential election outcome on Wednesday, saying he would challenge it in court because it was not free or fair, and that it was full of many irregularities.
But in a piece titled, ‘2019 Presidential Election: Ethnic Consideration vs Governance Consideration,’ written by Agbakoba on Wednesday, the legal practitioner advised Atiku against approaching the court, but to accept the outcome in faith.
“I understand the PDP is aggrieved at the outcome of the election and alleged massive irregularities. I urge former Vice President Atiku Abubakar not to approach the Election Petition Tribunal.
“He might have (been) moved backwards by his loss, but he should not lose sight of the legacy and greatness that lie in front of him,” he wrote.
The SAN described Atiku as being in a position to take up the mantle of a statesman and build a ‘new Nigeria movement’ from the array of small parties, third force actors, change actors and millions who were desperate for a strong and united Nigeria.
“There is also a lot of work to be done in both political and electoral reforms. I request former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to step into the shoes,” he said.
“I can see how tempting it is to take the option of the Election Petition Tribunal. But that, in my view, is not the right decision.
“We look forward to a new Nigeria, strong and united; a new Nigeria that will not vote on the basis of ethnic and primordial sentiments.”