I will only accept election result if they are free, fair and credible—Atiku

Atiku Abubakar

I will only accept election result if they are free, fair and credible—Atiku

Presidential candidate of the main opposition party in Nigeria, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar has said he would only accept the result of the 2019 general elections if they are free, fair and credible.

Atiku who appeared on the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) election debate programme, called The Candidates said he and his running mate, Peter Obi, have the answer to the numerous issues bedevilling Nigeria.

Asked by the NTA anchor, will you accept the outcome of the election, Atiku responded: “Only if they are adjudged to be free, fair and credible”

Atiku and Obi appeared on the platform on Wednesday. The presidential candidate of the ruling party, the All Progressive Congress (APC), Muhammadu Buhari and his running mate, Yemi Osinbajo appeared on the platform some two weeks ago.

Nigeria’s presidential election will be underway on February 16th. Although there about 31 presidential aspirants from 31 political parties, the election is largely going to be between the PDP and APC.

The credibility of the February 16th general election has been a subject of debate. The opposition elements believe that Buhari’s body language towards the election does not suggest that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would deliver a free and fair election.

Former president, Olusegun Obasanjo has accused Buhari of planning to rig the election. Obasanjo was not alone in this. Other well-meaning Nigerians have raised alarm over alleged schemes by the government to subvert the will of the people.

The recent forced suspension of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen and his immediate replacement by a Justice of Sharia Law, Tanko Muhammad, has raised suspicion and doubt of Buhari’s readiness to allow a free and fair election.

Both independent bodies from local and international spheres have condemned the timing of the suspension of Onnoghen.

The United States reacted to the suspension of Onnoghen. In a statement on Saturday, January 26, 2019 the US embassy in Nigeria said it had taken note of widespread criticisms that the suspension is illegal.

“The Embassy of the United States is deeply concerned by the impact of the executive branch’s decision to suspend and replace the Chief Justice and head of the judicial branch without the support of the legislative branch on the eve of national and state elections, “ the statement read.

“We note widespread Nigerian criticism that this decision is unconstitutional and that it undermines the independence of the judicial branch.

“That undercuts the stated determination of government, candidates, and political party leaders to ensure that the elections proceed in a way that is free, fair, transparent, and peaceful – leading to a credible result.

“We urge that the issues raised by this decision be resolved swiftly and peacefully in accordance with due process, full respect for the rule of law, and the spirit of the Constitution of Nigeria.

“Such action is needed urgently now to ensure that this decision does not cast a pall over the electoral process,” the statement ended.

In a seperate statement, the UK Government also reacted to the suspension of Walter Onnoghen as Chief Justice of Nigeria by President Muhammdu Buhari noting the reactions of prominent Nigerians especially the Nigerian legal profession.

In a statement published on the British High Commission to Nigeria’s website on Saturday, January 26, 2019 the UK Government said it calls for peaceful solutions to the apparent constitutional crisis.

“The British High Commission expresses serious concern over the suspension of the Chief Justice of Nigeria. We have heard a wide range of credible and independent voices, including in the Nigerian legal profession and civil society, who have expressed concern over the constitutionality of the executive branch’s suspension of the chief officer of the judiciary.

“We respect Nigeria’s sovereign authority and its right to adjudicate on constitutional provisions but as friends of the Nigerian people, we are compelled to observe that the timing of this action, so close to national elections, gives cause for concern.

“It risks affecting both domestic and international perceptions on the credibility of the forthcoming elections. We, along with other members of the international community, are following developments closely.

“We encourage all actors to maintain calm and address the concerns raised by this development through due process, demonstrating their commitment to respecting the constitution and the impartial administration of the rule of law.

“We further urge them to take steps to ensure that elections take place in an environment conducive to a free, fair and peaceful process,” the statement ended.

Also, in its reaction, the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) expressed concern over the process and timing of the suspension.

Its statement reads:

“The European Union was invited by the Independent National Electoral Commission to observe the 2019 general elections.

“The EU Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) is very concerned about the process and timing of the suspension of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Honourable Justice Walter Onnoghen, on 25 January.

“With 20 days until the presidential and National Assembly elections, political parties, candidates and voters must be able to have confidence in the impartiality and independence of the judicial system.

“The decision to suspend the Chief Justice has led to many Nigerians, including lawyers and civil society observer groups, to question whether due process was followed. The timing, just before the swearing in of justices for Electoral Tribunals and the hearing of election-related cases, has also raised concerns about the opportunity for electoral justice.

“The EU EOM calls on all parties to follow the legal processes provided for in the Constitution and to respond calmly to any concerns they may have.

“The EU EOM will continue observing all aspects of the election, including the independence of the election administration, the neutrality of security agencies, and the extent to which the judiciary can and does fulfil its election-related responsibilities.”

Also, a presidential candidate, Olawepo Hashim, criticised the president’s action, calling for urgent international sanctions against Mr Buhari and his administration officials.

Mr Olawepo in his statement said Mr Buhari has plunged Nigeria into dictatorship.

“This is a clear indication that we have returned to full blown dictatorship. Following the suspension of the Chief Justice of the Federation, we are seeing full-blown dictatorship in Nigeria. It is an abyss, an aberration and a clear violation of our laws.

“We will not allow Nigeria fall into dictatorship anymore.

“I call on all lovers of Nigeria and lovers of democracy and the international community to immediately impose sanctions on officials of the executive arm of government, their families, including their friends and associates,” Mr Olawepo said.

But Buhari has called all concerns by the foreign bodies, meddlesomeness. Nigerian government has said it refused any foreign ‘interference’.