Supreme Court dismissing my election petition appeal amounts to legitimizing illegality — Atiku

Former Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar has expressed concern that the Supreme Court's dismissal of his appeal against President Bola Tinubu's 2023 electoral victory implies a tolerance for crime that threatens Nigeria's democracy.

Atiku, who was the People's Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, addressed journalists in Abuja on Monday, October 30, to react to the apex court ruling delivered last week.

"Someone asked me what I would do if I lost my election petition appeal at the Supreme Court. In response, I said that as long as Nigeria wins, the struggle would have been worth the while," Atiku stated.

He argued that condoning rigging and electoral "irregularities" through the court amounts to legitimizing illegality.

"If the Supreme Court, the highest court in the land, implies by its judgment that crime is good and should be rewarded, then Nigeria has lost and the country is doomed, irrespective of who occupies the presidential seat," Atiku warned.

The former Vice President also expressed concern that allowing INEC to contradict itself undermines the electoral integrity upon which democracy hinges.

"If the Supreme Court decides that the electoral umpire, INEC, can tell the public one thing and then do something else in order to reach a corruptly predetermined outcome, then there is really no hope for the country’s democracy and electoral politics," Atiku quoted.

While submitting to the court's autonomy, he argues that posterity will vindicate him and his position that rigorous scrutiny of the poll remains vital for Nigeria's future.