In the aftermath of the verdict delivered by the Presidential Elections Petition Tribunal (PEPT), which upheld Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the victor of the February 25, 2023 Presidential election, Nigeria stands at a pivotal crossroads, shrouded in uncertainty. The tribunal’s decision, which dismissed the petitions of prominent candidates like Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party and Peter Obi of the Labour Party, has ignited a spectrum of reactions and cast a spotlight on the nation’s political terrain.
At this critical juncture, we must commend the opposition parties for their dignified response to the ruling. Their demonstration of maturity and political acumen, coupled with their call for calm underscores their commitment to upholding the principles of due process and the rule of law, cornerstones of a thriving democracy.
The Conflict Prevention and Peace Building Initiative (CPPBI) salutes the opposition’s peaceful stance and urges them to persist on the path of diplomacy and peaceful conduct. It is imperative that they refrain from acts that may disrupt the country’s stability. The unity and peace of Nigeria should remain paramount, as the opposition continues its watchdog role of holding the government accountable.
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Equally important is CPPBI’s appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who now fully assumes the mantle of leadership. We implore him to demonstrate magnanimity in victory, recognizing the diverse voices and concerns within our country. His administration should prioritize the unification of a divided country, the revival of its ailing economy, the restoration of dwindling national morale, and the forward propulsion of Nigeria. As the incumbent President, he bears the responsibility of rallying the entire populace for progressive change.
Furthermore, CPPBI extends a plea to all Nigerians, irrespective of their political affiliations, to abstain from actions that could exacerbate tensions and imperil our peace. Nigeria is our shared heritage, and the path to resolution should be paved with dialogue and cooperation rather than confrontation and discord.
CPPBI calls upon all stakeholders in the Nigerian project to put aside political differences and unite for the common good. It is incumbent upon us to collaborate in addressing the nation’s pressing challenges, fostering reconciliation, and building a more prosperous and harmonious Nigeria.
As Nigeria navigates this pivotal moment, let it serve as a testament to the resilience of our democracy and our unwavering commitment to peace, unity, and progress. Together, we can transcend our differences and forge a brighter future that benefits all Nigerians.
About CPPBI:
The Conflict Prevention and Peace Building Initiative (CPPBI) is a Nigerian non-governmental organization firmly dedicated to nurturing constructive relationships among individuals, groups, and political entities across diverse boundaries, including those of ethnicity, religion, class, nationality, and race. We are committed to fostering peace, understanding, and unity in Nigeria and beyond
