Buhari Lauds Withdrawal Of Suit Challenging His Presidential Victory

President Muhamamdu Buharu has described as “patriotic,” the withdrawal of a suit challenging his victory in the February 23, 2019, presidential election.

Malam Garba Shehu, the President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, in a statement, said the Presidency was “delighted” at the withdrawal of one of four petitions challenging the victory of Buhari in the election.

The Coalition for Change (C4C), in a petition with suit No. CA/PEPC/003/2019 filed before the Presidential Election and Petition Tribunal, had claimed that Buhari’s re-election was marred with substantial non-compliance with mandatory statutory provisions.

The C4C had filed the suit before the tribunal alongside its presidential candidate in the poll, Geff Chizee Ojinka.

But the coalition, through its lawyer, withdrew its petition on Monday when the case was called for hearing by the tribunal.

Reacting, the Presidency said the withdrawal, “is a sign of true patriotism. By accepting defeat with grace, the C4C has chosen to prioritise the stability of our country and the voice of the people.

“Victory and defeat are part of elections. For some in the opposition, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is good, when they win. Where they lose, INEC is unreliable.

“The challenges facing our nation are huge and we need all hands on deck.

“The people of Nigeria have chosen President Buhari to lead them, and all stakeholders should deploy their energy towards supporting his efforts.”