Poll Result: We ‘re Not Bothered By Atiku’s Threat To Go To Court – Presidency
The Presidency has said that it was not perturbed by the decision of the candidate of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to challenge the outcome of the February 23 Presidential election in court.
President Muhammadu Buhari of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, was on the early hours of Wednesday declared winner of the presidential election by the Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Yakub Mamood who was also the Returning Officer for the presidential poll.
Speaking to State House correspondent after a dinner hosted by President Buhari for some of the APC members at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Boss Mustapha said that but the Nigerian Constitution and the Electoral Act have made the provision for any candidate that is dissatisfied with election result to seek redress in court.
According to him, “We are not jittery at all because the process was open and transparent. It was a credible election and we will continue to savour in the victory but in the process too, we will extend the hand of friendship for the purpose of nation building and reconciliation.
“Our electoral Act and the constitution have both provided a window for whoever is dissatisfied with the process of election to seek redress. That is the path and we will encourage them to go along that path.” The SGF assured Nigerians that President Buhari would do more for them in his second term, especially in the area of infrastructure development.
He said: “Looking into the future of the country, the President is very clear about what he wants to do. He will stand on the three pivot points that he pushed forward in 2015; securing the nation, diversifying the economy and also fighting corruption with all intensity.
“There will be inclusiveness all over the place. This is one government that has really invested in social infrastructure by bring people who are below the poverty level up and out of poverty.
“There are so many things that we are looking forward to and I am very thrilled and grateful that we had this opportunity to now consolidate on the tenets and gains of our democracy.”