SC JUDGEMENT: PDP Reacts, Hails Rulings On Abia & Akwa-Ibom Elections

THE national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday reacted to the recent rulings on Abia and Akwa-Ibom governorship elections conducted on 11 April, 2015 in which the party retained its leadership positions in both States describing it as landmark judgments which truly reflected justice and fairness.

The Supreme Court had on Wednesday reaffirmed the governorship elections of Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu and Barr. Emmanuel Udom of Abia and Akwa-Ibom State respectively against the appeal court rulings which sacked them as not duly elected. Okezie was challenged by the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA Candidate, Dr. Alex Otti while Emmanuel Udom was challenged by the All Progressive Congress candidate in the state.

Commending the rulings, the Acting National Chairman, Uche Secondus, in a statement said, “the Supreme Court’s judgments have further reinvigorated the hope and trust of the citizenry in the judiciary as the bastion of democracy.”

“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.

“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.

In similar vein, the State Chapter of the PDP in Akwa-Ibom State has also commended the judiciary stating that by the judgment; the judiciary has indeed proved that it remains the last hope of the common man. In a statement by the State Chairman, Obong Paul Ekpo, he however criticized the All Progressive Congress, APC’s several intrigues towards capturing the state by all means adding that the money spent on litigations over the elections was distractive and substantial enough to solve a need for the masses in the State.

However, he ruled out the spirit of sportsmanship in view of some members of the opposition that could wish to return to its fold stating that the doors are not open at the moment.

“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.