The Supreme Court’s dismissal of the appeal filed by the Presidential candidate of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar against the victory of President Muhammadu Buhari in the February 23, 2019 presidential election has so far generated massive reactions on the social media.
In a statement posted on twitter by its national publicity secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, the Peoples Democratic Party expressed shock at the judgment of the Supreme Court.
The party claimed that the verdict of the apex court was not what majority of Nigerians who participated and observed the Presidential election expected. The party noted that, contrary to the claims in some quarters, it presented a solid case with undisputed evidence at the apex court.
Supreme Court Ruling: The @OfficialPDPNig expresses shock at the judgment of the Supreme Court on the Presidential election petition filed by the party and its Presidential candidate, @Atiku. pic.twitter.com/yaZo3CpDVd
— Official PDP Nigeria (@OfficialPDPNig) October 30, 2019
But in his own Twitter reaction, a chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC) and the minister of state for Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo contradicted the claims of the PDP.
He said: ‘Congratulations Nigeria! All the lies and deceit have come to a crushing halt. About 7 months ago, I said the substance of the Petition was the most useless I have ever seen. Now, we have been vindicated. Henceforth, the opposition need to raise its game and be more constructive’.
‘Those who can’t stomach defeat & prepare for another day & those who think today’s victory will last forever are our problem. Be ready to win some & lose some. Those defeated today may bounce back tomorrow & those victorious today may end up later in infamy. Only time will tell,’ he tweeted.
Congratulations Nigeria! All the lies and deceit have come to a crushing halt. About 7 months ago, I said the substance of the Petition was the most useless I have ever seen. Now, we have been vindicated. Henceforth, the opposition need to raise its game and be more constructive https://t.co/7oL6Yx6C9H
— Festus Keyamo, SAN, CON, FCIArb (UK) (@fkeyamo) October 30, 2019
Also commenting on the verdict of the Supreme Court, another Nigerian simply identified as Olushola Olufolabi said: ‘Congratulations to all Nigerians home and abroad on the Presidential Supreme Court Judgement today; from constituting the panel to verdict delivery… That was burial of all our values… Nigeria expiry date has probably just been fixed. Bravo!!!’
While replying to an Atku’s stalwart, Dokun Ojomo on Twitter, another Nigerian simply identified as ‘The Real Kingslayer’ said: ‘I told y’all to seat 2023 out. Buhari had Nigeria figured out. When he debased Judiciary with indiscriminate arrest of Judges at Night, you all cheered. He has pocketed the National Assembly and you all say it’ll create harmony. Let’s just hope he doesn’t want 3rd term otherwise he’ll have it’.
https://twitter.com/AmeGerian01/status/1189539416815091712?s=20
Another Twitter User identified as Seraph said: ‘APC had set a very dangerous precedent in our democracy and we all cheered and clapped for them. This is the future that our children are going to face? They that mocked and cheered were only cheering for a blank and uncertain future for their children’.
APC had set a very dangerous precedents in our democracy and we all cheered and clapped for them. This is the future that our children are going to face ? They that mocked and cheered were only cheering for a blank and uncertain future for their children .
— #We are committed to the birth of a new Nigeria (@Comfygrly) October 30, 2019
Also commenting on the apex court verdict, another Twitter user identified as ‘Didier of Abuja’ said: ‘Atiku knew he wasn’t going to win at the Supreme Court because the judiciary has been compromised with the removal of Onnoghen. This entire appeal was to expose the rot in the electoral system and the judiciary which is glaring for all to see now. May God help Nigeria’.
https://twitter.com/didier_______/status/1189540870544080897?s=20
Samson Oyedeyi
