Eleven days after the Supreme Court’s affirmation of President Bola Tinubu’s electoral victory, Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential contender, voiced his discontent yesterday. Obi criticized the verdict as a capitulation of justice for political convenience, disappointing many Nigerians.
In a press briefing in Abuja, Obi declared his party’s readiness to bring their vision to the grassroots and hinted at a 2027 presidential bid. He advocated for a single five-year presidential term to cycle through Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones over 30 years. According to a report by The Guardian, this marks a shift from the current two-term system modeled after U.S. democracy.
“Our push for restructuring included a constitutional amendment for a productive and functional governance structure,” Obi said, emphasizing the need for a single term and a rotational presidency.
Responding to Atiku Abubakar’s, the PDP candidate’s, call for a six-year term; Obi also proposed a quasi-legislative system. It would ensure leaders, including the president, face direct legislative questioning. “Leaders should be directly accountable through regular Q&A sessions, not through surrogates,” he stated.
On the Supreme Court decision, Obi expressed deep regret, claiming the ruling ignored substantial evidence and public sentiment. “It’s a moral burden shifted onto our national conscience, with our democracy as the ultimate victim,” he asserted.
Despite the setback, Obi remains undeterred. He praised the Nigerian youth and the ‘Obidient’ movement for their commitment to his cause. “This is not the end but the beginning of our journey towards a new Nigeria,” he reassured his supporters, reaffirming his intention to run in 2027.
The presidency quickly countered Obi’s remarks, stating that judgments are not based on public opinion. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President, challenged Obi to demonstrate statesmanship by congratulating President Tinubu.
Onanuga’s statement criticized Obi for unfounded electoral fraud claims and encouraged him to pursue other endeavors, as the Nigerian electorate had rejected his candidacy.
Meanwhile, Prof. Paul Nnamchi, representing Enugu East/Isi-Uzo in the House of Representatives, expressed confidence in the judiciary. Following the restoration of his mandate by the Appeal Court, Nnamchi urged politicians to respect electoral outcomes and strive for office through genuine ballots.
