Much encomium have been showered on the Supreme Court of Nigeria over its reaffirmation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the lawfully elected candidate in the February 25, 2023 Presidential election.
On Thursday, the Apex Court of Nigeria reaffirmed Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the lawfully elected President of the country after the 6 September verdict of the Presidential Election Petition Court, which had earlier affirmed his victory.
At the Supreme Court, a seven man-panel led by Justice Inyang Okoro resolved all the issues against the appellants, went ahead to affirm the election of Tinubu as President, hinged its verdict on the fact that the appeals against Tinubu lacked merit and subsequently dismissed them.
Reacting to this Court verdict, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu on tweets (X), commended the Judiciary for upholding the truth and safeguarding Nigeria’s nascent democracy.
The Governor who was delighted by this verdict of Tinubu’s electoral victory in the Presidential election added that the judgment is a clear validation of the mandate freely given by the people of Nigeria to President Tinubu, who will lead the nation from May 29, 2023, to May 2027.
Sanwo-Olu urged the opposition to join hands with the President to move our country forward while appealed to all Nigerians, especially the opposition parties, to unite with the President in his vision to elevate Nigeria from its current situation to where we aspire it to be.
The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun on tweets (X) said this momentous decision by the Supreme Court serves as a clear testament to fact that President Tinubu has been entrusted with the people’s mandate, as evidenced by the polls.
He added that the verdict affirms the support and trust that the citizens have placed in Tinubu’s leadership, vision as Nigerians take immense pride in his achievement, which reflects his unwavering dedication to the progress and development of the country.
Governor Abiodun said, “As we move forward, we are confident that President Tinubu will continue to lead our nation towards prosperity, stability, and unity.
“His vast experience, strategic vision, and strong leadership qualities will undoubtedly guide us through the challenges we face and elevate our country to new heights”, Ogun Governor added.
The former Senate President, Ibrahim Lawan who congratulated President Tinubu his victory at the Supreme Court on Thursday, described the verdict as a legal vindication that further strengthens the nation’s democratic process.
Lawan, in a statement signed by his Media Adviser, Ezrel Tabiowo, urged Nigerians to rally behind President Tinubu for a stronger and more prosperous nation.
He He commended the Supreme Court Justices for staying committed to upholding the rule of law; as well as All Progressives Congress (APC) for their unwavering support and steadfast determination throughout the entire legal process.
According to him, “As President Tinubu and the APC forge ahead with their “Renewed Hope” agenda, I am confident that Nigeria will experience a new era of prosperity, stability, and progress.
“I am optimistic that President Tinubu’s leadership will lead to inclusive governance, job creation, improved infrastructure, and increased investments, benefiting all Nigerians”, the Yobe North Senator added.
Also reacted is the former Governor of Ekiti State and Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum, Kayode Fayemi stated that the affirmation at the apex court was a demonstration of the principles of fairness and justice.
He added that the victory has further validated the win of President Tinubu at the polls, which was a testament to the faith Nigerians have in the APC and in the president’s ability to steer the ship of the state.
Fayemi in a statement signed by his media aide, Mallam Ahmad Sajoh, said, ‘’In celebrating the President’s victory, we must also be mindful of the need to avoid triumphalism”.
While acknowledging the importance of running an inclusive government, the ex-Governor urged President Tinubu to embrace the spirit of inclusivity by reaching out to his political competitors and fostering an atmosphere of unity.
Fayemi argued that, in a democracy, the success of one political party should not necessarily be seen as a defeat for others but as an opportunity to work together for the greater good of the country.
He therefore urged the appellants to embrace the President in the onerous task of governing Nigeria so as to avoid all distractions. “All hands must be on deck at this moment.”
“As we move forward, it is essential that we prioritize the development, security, and prosperity of Nigeria above all else. I urge the President to use his victory as an opportunity to heal the divisions in our country and to build a more prosperous and inclusive Nigeria for all,’’ the ex-Governor said.
