National Intervention Movement Co-chairman, Dr Olisa Agbakoba (SAN),
on Wednesday said Alhaji Atiku Abubakar faces an uphill battle to
overturn Presidential Muhammadu Buhari’s victory at the Election
Petition Tribunal.
According to him, it has to be proven that there were electoral irregularities and that they affected the election results.
Agbakoba,
a Life Bencher who chairs the Peoples Trust Party (PTP) and the “third
force political parties”, said he was misquoted in his earlier statement
to say that Atiku would lose at the Tribunal.
“That is far from
the truth. I meant the former Vice President will face an uphill task,
given the circumstances of challenging the election results.
“My
initial decision to charge the former Vice President not to go to court
is based on the fact that President Buhari has subverted the Supreme
Court by the removal of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice
Walter Onnoghen, and the appointment of the Acting Chief Justice of
Nigeria.
“My perception is that we need to resolve the status of
the Supreme Court. I wonder what is taking the National Judicial Council
so long.
“I am also worried about the historical precedent, as no petition on presidential election result has ever succeeded.
“As
one of Nigeria’s experienced election petition lawyers, I know that the
burden of proof to succeed in an election petition is unfairly huge.
“We first have to prove that there are electoral irregularities and in my view, once you prove this, you should succeed.
“Unfortunately, even if you prove electoral irregularities you will have to show how that affected the results of the election.
“Remember
that the gap between former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar and
President Buhari is about four million votes,” Agbakoba said.
The
former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President believes the
presidential election results were “manifestly riddled” with electoral
irregularities.
He, however, emphasised that Atiku is constitutionally entitled to approach the tribunal.
“My
personal advice has become irrelevant. I fully support and wish former
Vice President, Atiku Abubakar every success,” Agbakoba.
In the
earlier statement urging Atiku not to challenge Buhari’s victory,
Agbakoba said: “I understand the PDP is aggrieved about the outcome of
the election and alleged massive irregularities. But, I urge former Vice
President, Atiku Abubakar not to approach the Election Petition
Tribunal.
“He might have moved backwards by his loss but he
should not lose sight of the legacy and greatness that lies in front of
him. He is in a strong position to take up the mantle of a statesman.
“He
can build a new Nigeria movement from the motley of small parties,
third force actors, change actors and millions who are desperate for a
strong, united Nigeria.”
Source:- Thenationonlineng
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