The national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday commended the Supreme Court for reaffirming the mandates of its standard bearers in the Abia and Akwa-Ibom governorship elections held last year.
Acting National Chairman, Uche Secondus, in a statement issued yesterday, said Wednesday’s rulings affirming the elections of Governors Udom Emmanuel and Okezie Ikpeazu of Akwa Ibom and Abia states respectively, “have further reinvigorated the hope and trust of the citizenry in the judiciary as the bastion of democracy.”
The statement reads in part:
“Indeed, the PDP and all lovers of democracy in the country commend the maturity and patriotism being displayed by the Supreme Court in dispensing justice, a development, which has strengthened the confidence of the people in democracy and rule of law.
Wednesday’s rulings on Abia and Akwa Ibom, coming after the apex court whuch last week handed justice in affirming the elections of Governors Nyesom Wike and Dave Umahi of Rivers and Ebonyi states respectively, have not only put a seal on the popularity of our governors, as duly reflected in the elections, but also that of the PDP, irrespective of the temporary setback of the 2015 general elections.
“Nigerians are no longer in doubt of the fact that in spite of the electoral challenges, the PDP remains the only pan-Nigeria party, committed to the national interest, with the capacity, vision and direction to deliver and sustain a united and prosperous country; the reason we are working hard to regain power at the center in 2019.
“While congratulating our governors and indeed, all well-meaning Nigerians for this triumph of democracy, we restate our charge to all PDP elected and appointed office holders at all levels across the country to continue to patriotically exert themselves, while maintaining the lead in providing purposeful leadership in line with the ideology and visions of PDP founding fathers.
“Despite the challenges, we assure Nigerians that we will not relent, but continue to be steadfast in showing leadership at all levels especially at this point where other political platforms offer no hope or governance direction to the people,” he said.
Meanwhile, the PDP chairman in Akwa Ibom State, Obong Paul Ekpo, said the party and the people have forgiven their compatriots for the tension-soaked judicial battle they made the state passed through after the 2015 general elections.
Ekpo, who addressed jubilant indigenes at Akwa Ibom House, Abuja Wednesday night shortly after the victory of Gov. Emmanuel said the All Progressives Congress (APC) inflicted so much pain on the state, noting that money that would have been used in developing the state was spent on unnecessary election litigations.
He said though they have forgiven but that they would not be quick in opening their doors for opposition members who would wish to return to the fold.
“One thing that I am seeing today is that all the rebellious sons and daughters of Akwa Ibom State are returning home. When we get to Akwa Ibom, we’ll bury APC forever. Whether we like it or not, we must acknowledge the fact that they are rejoicing with us. We cannot begin now to discuss their return but we acknowledge that they’re rejoicing with us”, Obong Ekpo stated.
Wife of the governor, Mrs. Martha Emmanuel dedicated the judicial victory to God whom she said was their only hope, especially as the APC in the state had repeatedly boasted that they will use the federal might to secure victory at the courts.
Mrs. Emmanuel described the victory as “supreme judgment from the supreme God,” noting that the apex court has made her spouse an “elected and judicially confirmed governor of Akwa Ibom State”.
She assured the people that the governor would not let them down, since to whom much is given, much is expected.
Also, the the Deputy Publicity Secretary of PDP in Bauchi State, Alhaji Abdullahi Jalo, has hailed the ruling.
Jalo, who is aspiring for the position of the National Chairman, said the judgment was a clear indication that the INEC under the former Chair, Prof. Attahiru Jega, conducted excellent elections.
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