Labour Party Denounces Supreme Court Ruling, Alleges Executive Influence on Judiciary and Legislature

The Labour Party (LP) has expressed strong reservations about the recent Supreme Court ruling that upheld the victory of President Bola Tinubu in the February 2023 presidential election. The party has voiced concerns about the perceived influence of the executive branch over the judiciary and legislature.

During a press conference held after the Supreme Court’s dismissal of appeals by the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, and the LP’s candidate, LP Chairman Julius Abure conveyed the party’s disappointment while emphasizing their determination to remain optimistic about the nation’s future.

Abure asserted that the events that have transpired from the day of the 2023 presidential election to the present indicate a troubling trend towards a more authoritarian regime. He expressed the party’s shock and surprise that the apex court chose to align with an earlier judgment, despite the perceived flaws in the decision of the Presidential Election Appeal Tribunal.

“While we have conclusively exercised our fundamental rights as granted by the laws of the land, we have no other choice but to move forward. We may be disheartened by the outcome, but we have decided to persevere and maintain our optimism for the nation’s future,” Abure stated.

The LP Chairman further lamented the state of Nigeria’s institutions, asserting that they appear unable to rise to the occasion and defend democracy and the voices of the people. He pointed out that the executive branch seems to have gained excessive control over both the judiciary and the legislature, which he deemed detrimental to the nation’s democracy.

Abure elaborated on the historical significance of this situation, stating, “All that our forebearers taught us has been destroyed within a short space of time because of the unbridled ambition of a few. The founding fathers fought with their lives to achieve independence for the country. People lost their lives in the struggle to preserve our democracy, and for years, people have been striving to achieve electoral and constitutional reforms. Regrettably, all of these efforts and struggles have been eroded today.”

He further alleged that the government has identified certain LP leaders, including himself and Obi, as targets for vilification to suppress the party’s objectives for a new Nigeria.

In response to these concerns, Abure called upon the international community to step forward and defend democracy in Nigeria. He acknowledged the international community’s condemnation of the presidential election’s outcome and urged them to stand with the millions of Nigerians facing significant hardship and poverty due to the current situation.

Despite the challenges and disappointments, Abure encouraged Nigerians not to lose hope in their country. He expressed hope that with determination and perseverance, a new Nigeria remains a possibility. He stated, “We are hopeful that we will reach our destination someday because where there is a will, there will undoubtedly be a way. A new Nigeria is still possible.”

In conclusion, the Labour Party’s criticism of the Supreme Court’s decision and their concerns about the state of Nigerian democracy underline the need for vigilance in upholding democratic principles and institutions in the country. The party’s call for international support underscores the importance of defending democracy and the rule of law, not just in Nigeria but across the globe. Despite the challenges, the message of hope for a better and more democratic Nigeria continues to resonate.