Atiku Abubakar, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate and former vice president of Nigeria, has told the Presidential Election Petitions Court that the sky will not fall if it rules that Bola Tinubu was unlawfully declared president and removes him from office.
In his closing written presentation in support of his petition contesting Tinubu’s declaration as winner of the presidential election on February 25, Atiku made this claim.
Atuku argued that the fact that a presidential election in Nigeria had never been voided before was no justification for the tribunal to delay doing what was right.
Atiku argued against Tinubu’s submission that chaos would ensue if the tribunal nullified the February 25 presidential election due to the interpretation of the 25% of votes cast in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), saying that this would not be the case.
His opening statement was, “At this stage, it is pertinent to observe from the outset that the Second Respondent’s Final Written Address, with respect, reflects a complete misconception and unfortunate misunderstanding of the case of the Petitioners.”
Chief Chris Uche, SAN, lead lawyer for Atiku and the PDP, said in his closing statement, “A subtle threat of apocalyptic catastrophe of national chaos and anarchy if a judgement is not given in a particular manner cannot deter a court of law from doing justice.”
Supreme Court Justice Oguntade said boldly in the landmark case of AMAECHI vs. INEC & ORS (2008) LPELR-446(SC) (Pages 67-68, Paragraph D) that “the court must do justice, rather ‘let the heavens fall.’ Of course, when justice has been done, the heavens do not move.
To ensure that constitutional democracy’s basic ideals of openness and honesty are not stifled, Uche asked PREPEC to take a proactive stance in its interpretation of new laws and use of new technology.
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