Like the Labour Party, the Presidential Candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has written off the February 25 poll, describing it as largely flawed.
He has, therefore, promised to challenge the results in court.
Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday in Abuja, Atiku accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of “shattering the dreams and aspirations of Nigerians” with their conduct of the polls.
He said: “Having consulted with leaders of our party who are seated here with me and Nigerians from different walks of life, I have come to the conclusion that the processes and outcome of the presidential and national elections on Saturday was grossly flawed by every single material and as such, must be challenged by all of us.
“The 2023 presidential election presented Nigeria and Nigerians an opportunity for a reset but INEC failed woefully.
“The electoral umpire’s failure has been attested to by both local and international observers.”
Atiku, who is the PDP flagbearer in the election, wondered why the electoral umpire was in a haste to declare the result of the election, calling the process “a rape of democracy”.
“I believe this is not the legacy the Buhari-led government wants to leave behind for Nigerians, it is not late for Buhari to make a U-turn.”
While urging the youths to conduct themselves well in the current situation, the former Vice-President said the last Saturday’s election is not about him but about the future of the Nigerian youths.
While the PDP and LP have rejected the outcome of the poll, Atiku, who ran alongside Obi in the 2019 election, indicated that he is “open to working” with the former Anambra State governor.
“So, as far as I am concerned, Peter is welcome to dialogue with the PDP. We are ready to dialogue with him. I don’t think we will have a problem if he wants to dialogue with the PDP, whether for an alliance or not.”
Obi, who was a former chieftain of the PDP left the party before the presidential primary and joined the LP where he became its candidate.
Atiku also said he is open to an alliance with the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate Peter Obi.
According to him, the LP flagbearer only took votes in PDP strongholds and could not have won the presidential election relying just on the South-East.
“Agreed; that it is a fact that he took our votes in the South-East and South-South and that of course would not make him a president.
“You all know that to be a president of this country, you all need votes from every part of the country.”
Meanwhile, the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council has said it is ready to “meet the challenge” of PDP candidate, Atiku.
Atiku had on Thursday claimed the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate Bola Tinubu’s declaration as the winner of Saturday’s presidential election was flawed and vowed to challenge it in court.
Minutes after the comment, the Tinubu campaign team faulted the claim but expressed readiness to take on Atiku in court.
“Atiku Abubakar’s decision to challenge the outcome of the results is welcome. We are prepared to meet his challenge, no matter the nature of the challenge, anywhere and anytime,” said the Director of Public Affairs and Chief spokesperson for the council, Mr Festus Keyamo (SAN).
“If Atiku Abubakar is not embracing the olive branch extended to him and other losers in the 2023 elections by the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the least he can do is to quietly relocate to Dubai which has become his traditional home base.”
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