The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has strongly criticized the Supreme Court’s dismissal of the petitions filed by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi. HURIWA considers this judgment a mockery of Nigeria’s justice system and warns that it could set a troubling precedent for future elections.
In a statement by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA expressed deep concern over the Supreme Court’s decision. Onwubiko asserted that the court’s ruling might inadvertently encourage violence in future elections.
HURIWA argued that the Supreme Court’s judgment, which upheld the election of the incumbent President of Nigeria, was not unexpected. The organization expressed disappointment with the court’s handling of the cases, particularly its refusal to admit fresh evidence presented by Atiku Abubakar regarding the alleged forgery of academic certificates by President Bola Tinubu.
Onwubiko raised concerns that the court’s verdict conveyed a troubling message – that candidates could present fake certificates without consequences, as long as they could manipulate the electoral process or influence judges with financial incentives.
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HURIWA also expressed its earlier prediction that the Supreme Court would rely on technicalities rather than addressing the substance of the cases. The organization believes that the court’s decisions have eroded the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral system.
In conclusion, HURIWA advised Atiku Abubakar to transition into a statesman and contribute to the pursuit of electoral reforms in Nigeria. The organization called for reform that would address issues like the appointment of electoral officials and ensure a more transparent and just electoral process.
The Supreme Court’s decision, according to HURIWA, not only casts a shadow on the integrity of the Nigerian justice system but also highlights the need for comprehensive electoral reforms to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections in the future.
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