Supreme Court judgment on presidential election affirms the will of Nigerians, says Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari 

The Presidency has reacted to the Supreme Court's explanation on why the appeal of the Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, which challenged the victory of President Muhammadu Buhari in the February 23 poll was dismissed.

It said the apex court’s ruling represented the “popular will” of Nigerians since Atiku and the PDP were unable to proof their case against Buhari’s victory.



The Presidency however, called on the PDP and Atiku should put the election behind them, adding that it was commendable that they took the legal route to dispute the outcome of the poll up to the apex court.

It said, “However, now it is time for the PDP to take up the service mandated by this election.




“The legislative agenda of the Ninth Assembly is ambitious in both size and scope. It is critical that the opposition is there to scrutinise bills and policies, rather than preoccupy themselves with unsustainable court cases.

“We appreciate the PDP and their candidate for taking these claims to courts rather than expressing them in other ways, but now Nigeria needs a robust and rigorous opposition. The nation needs to move on.


“While it is correct to give credit to the courts for affirming this electoral victory - and we commend the courage of the bench to arrive at the right conclusion given manifest and subtle pressures to do otherwise - the reality is that courts were convinced by arguments from the lawyers representing the APC and its candidate, President Muhammadu Buhari that results reflect the true wishes of a majority of our citizens.

“President Buhari won four million more votes than his closest rival, Atiku Abubakar, in the February poll.

“No serious electoral observers have challenged this result. And now the Supreme Court has explained why the PDP appeal is unsubstantiated. We hope this finally puts the matter behind us.



“We should now grasp this moment to move forward , together.”