I’m here to stay and fight for Nigeria, Atiku vows

In a dazzling display of unwavering determination, Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the February 25, 2023 election, has declared that he will not fade into the shadows despite the Supreme Court’s stunning verdict on October 26, 2023, affirming President Bola Tinubu’s electoral triumph.

In a rousing press briefing held in the heart of the nation’s capital, Abuja, the former Vice President roared, “As for me and my party, this phase of work is done. However, I am not going to go away, if you think I am going to go away, forget about it.” Atiku’s thunderous declaration resounded through the hallowed halls of politics.

With a fire in his eyes and an unshakable conviction, he proclaimed, “For as long as I breathe, I will continue to struggle with other Nigerians to deepen our democracy. I will continue to work for the return of political and economic restructuring that the country needs.” His words were a rallying cry to a nation yearning for change.

Atiku, who has been a political titan for nearly three decades, has relentlessly aspired to become Nigeria’s President, but his tenacity knows no bounds. He defiantly stated, “I won’t go away,” sending shockwaves through the political establishment.

Challenging the Supreme Court’s decision, Atiku vehemently asserted that President Tinubu was not qualified to contest the February 2023 presidential election. He leveled explosive accusations, accusing the Supreme Court and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of supporting what he termed as “illegality, identity theft, impersonation, forgery of certificates, and perjury.”

With the fervor of a warrior on a mission, Atiku expressed his deep concern about the state of Nigeria’s democracy. He warned, “When people lose confidence in the electoral process, democracy is on life support.” His words echoed the sentiments of many Nigerians who yearn for a stronger and more transparent democracy.

The apex court’s judgment, though final, left Atiku far from satisfied. He passionately argued that it “leaves much to be desired,” indicating that the battle for a fair and just political system is far from over.

Atiku, along with his Labour Party (LP) counterpart, Peter Obi, had spared no effort in challenging Tinubu’s victory, taking their case to the very pinnacle of justice, the Supreme Court. Their allegations ranged from double nomination to alleged certificate forgery, non-transmission of results electronically, and the issue of the Federal Capital Territory’s (FCT) 25% votes, among others.

However, the gavel of justice fell heavily last Thursday when the Justice John Okoro-led panel of the apex court decisively dismissed all of Atiku and Obi’s appeals for lacking merit, sealing the electoral victory of President Tinubu. In the wake of this resounding verdict, Atiku has emerged as a resolute force, ready to continue his fight for the future of Nigeria.