Labour Party has dismissed the statement allegedly made by Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as an intimidation tactic. Tinubu had purportedly cautioned the Presidential Election Petition Court (PREPEC) that applying the constitutional provision regarding 25% of lawful votes in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, could lead to “absurdity, chaos, anarchy” and a deviation from legislative intention.
Dr. Obiora Ifoh, the National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, voiced concerns about the leakage of this statement, which was a part of Tinubu’s final written address against the Labour Party’s petition at the PEPC and supposed to be confidential with the court.
In a statement, Ifoh expressed, “We are puzzled by this desperate act, especially as the matter is still pending in court. We are, however, careful not to label this as ‘Sub-judice’.”
The Labour Party believes that making such statements, while a case is under judiciary consideration, could be seen as meddling with the judiciary’s duties.
Ifoh continued, “In legal matters, sentiments hold no place. The law is the law, and it should be strictly followed as stipulated.”
Ifoh emphasized, “If the constitution, the supreme law of Nigeria, clearly states that a presidential candidate must secure at least 25 percent votes in the FCT to be declared winner, no amount of workaround can change that.”
The Labour Party urged the APC to be cautious and resist exerting undue pressure on the judiciary.
The party reminded everyone of the veiled threat conveyed in the ‘Democracy Day’ speech by the APC-led administration, warning against any attempts to truncate democracy through “unnecessary illegal orders.”
Expressing concern over this threatening tone, the Labour Party called it a dangerous trend that could threaten the nation’s stability if not checked.
The Labour Party also interpreted the statement as an indirect mobilization of APC followers, recalling the unrest during the February election.
Ifoh assured, “Just as there was no ‘absurdity, chaos, and anarchy’ when the APC forced their way into power, Nigeria will continue to be peaceful even when they are ousted from power.”
SOURCE: The Authority
IMAGE: The Sun Nigeria
