Ambassador Abayomi Mumuni, a senior member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, has warned party members against disparaging the presidential candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, and the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi, in light of the presidential tribunal verdict, saying that the time has come for the nation to move towards healing.
The APC leader made the suggestion on Saturday in response to a tribunal decision that dismissed petitions filed by the PDP, LP, and Allied Peoples Movement (APM) contesting the victory of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the election on February 25, 2023.
In a press statement, Mumuni’s media assistant Rasheed Abubakar referred to the decision as a well-deserved triumph for Nigerians who elected President Tinubu and his vice president Kashim Shettima.
The well-known security expert advised APC members to practise preaching peace rather than division and cautioned them against making negative public statements against the opposition candidates after the tribunal’s decision, especially in the future.
He said: “I wasn’t really surprised about the outcome of the judgement knowing full well how the election went. It was one of the most transparent elections in recent years. Nigerians voted for their candidates. They gave Asiwaju and his VP their mandate. It’s a well-deserved judgement.
“The court refused to buy sentiments and ruled strictly on facts. This is a victory for democracy and an advancement of jurisprudence in Nigeria.
“Of course, you don’t expect oppositions not to react. They will surely do. In fact, they are already doing that, saying unprintable words about our candidates and even the country’s judiciary.
“My appeal to our party loyalists and members is to be mindful of their utterances or statements after the tribunal judgement.
“The supporters of the opposition are already attacking our leadership. We should not do that. This doesn’t call for disrespect to other presidential candidates, especially Waziri Adamawa, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar. We should all expect that the aggrieved ones will approach the Supreme Court.
“We should all learn how to preach peace not pieces. Having been privileged to hold political offices should not be a cause for disrespect towards elders or fellow Nigerians.”
According to Mumuni, President Tinubu has extended the olive branch to everyone irrespective of party lines.
“He promised to run an inclusive government. This he made clear in his inaugural address and on other occasions. The Nigerian project is bigger than any other interest.”
“APC supporters should not join them in making noise. We should use our energy to do something productive and work to ensure that the renewed hope is actualised,” he added.
“Considering Senator Bola Tinubu’s manner of communication and respect for others, it is time for the healing process. That will surely reflect the kind of upbringing each of us possess.
“Our supporters should ignore those making noise. If they feel that they are not comfortable, they should go to the Supreme Court.”
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