The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general election, Atiku Abubakar, has dismissed President Bola Tinubu’s government as temporary and illegitimate.
Atiku made the remark while insisting that he would challenge Tinubu’s victory in court and reclaim his alleged stolen mandate.
He spoke during a PDP stakeholders’ meeting for elected officials of the party in Bauchi State on Saturday.
Atiku urged the PDP members of the National Assembly not to be intimidated or compromised by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
He said: “You are there to serve as a formidable opposition to this temporary administration.
“Based on the results announced by the INEC and pending the determination of electoral challenges in the court, our members-elect are not the majority in the National Assembly.
“So, for the time being, they have to prepare to work as an effective, constructive opposition while also preparing for possible roles of the majority party when the cases are resolved. A Government in-waiting, so to speak.”
Atiku Abubakar ran for president for the sixth time in 2023, having lost in previous attempts in 1993, 2007, 2011, 2015 and 2019.
He is a former vice-president of Nigeria from 1999 to 2007 under President Olusegun Obasanjo. He is also a prominent businessman with interests in oil, media and education sectors.
He came second in the 2023 presidential election, losing to Bola Tinubu, a former governor of Lagos State and a leader of the APC.
However, Atiku rejected the outcome of the election, alleging that it was marred by irregularities and rigging. He filed a petition at the Presidential Election Tribunal, seeking to nullify Tinubu’s victory and declare him as the rightful winner.
He said: “We have strong evidence that our votes were stolen and manipulated. We will not accept this injustice. We will pursue this matter to its logical conclusion and reclaim our mandate.”
Atiku also accused Tinubu of being behind the removal of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen, who was suspended by President Muhammadu Buhari on corruption charges days before the election.
He said: “This was a coup against democracy and an attempt to influence the judiciary. The Chief Justice was removed because he was seen as an obstacle to Tinubu’s ambition. This is unacceptable and unconstitutional.”
Atiku has vowed to restore democracy and rule of law in Nigeria if he wins his case at the tribunal.
He said: “We are fighting for the future of Nigeria. We are fighting for our children and grandchildren. We are fighting for a Nigeria where everyone is equal before the law and where no one is above the law.”
