Supreme Court Confirms Tinubu’s Election Victory, PDP Figures Offer Congratulations
The Supreme Court has upheld the victory of President Bola Tinubu in the February 25 presidential election, reaffirming the decision of the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) back in September. The court dismissed the petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party’s candidates, Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi.
In a unanimous ruling, the seven-member panel of judges determined that the appeals made by the PDP and the Labour Party lacked merit in their claims of electoral law violations, Tinubu’s eligibility to run for president, and electoral fraud.
Following the judgement, high-profile members of the PDP, including governors and chieftains, seemingly shifted their support to Tinubu. Some even visited the presidential villa to congratulate the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate.
One such governor was Diri, the PDP governor of Bayelsa State, who was seen in a video alongside some APC governors offering their congratulations to President Tinubu. Diri is currently seeking re-election in the November 11 governorship election in Bayelsa State, where the APC candidate, Timipre Sylva, has been disqualified by a federal high court in Abuja. Diri’s visit to the presidential villa has sparked interest and speculation.
Governor Adeleke of Osun State, who is known for his familial ties with Afro-beat star Davido, became the second PDP governor to extend his congratulations to President Tinubu. He took to social media to express his warm regards and pledged to work together with the president to deliver good governance to the people of Osun State.
Notably, Nyesom Wike, a two-term governor of Rivers State and a prominent figure within the PDP, was also captured in the video at the presidential villa, signaling potential support for Tinubu. Wike currently serves as the minister of the Federal Capital Territory under the APC government led by Tinubu. There are claims that Wike’s ministerial appointment may be a form of compensation for his support during the presidential election.
Another PDP chieftain seen visiting President Tinubu at the presidential villa was James Ibori, a former governor of Delta State. Ibori was a key player in the previous administration and is currently defending a $129 million case in a United Kingdom court. He was granted a presidential pardon by President Muhammadu Buhari while serving a jail term.
In conclusion, the Supreme Court’s validation of President Bola Tinubu’s election victory has prompted members of the PDP to extend their congratulations and potentially realign their support. These developments could have significant implications for future political dynamics and alliances in Nigeria.
