Atiku Abubakar and Bola Tinubu Clash Over Alleged Judiciary Intimidation
Following the conclusion of the February 25, 2023, general elections and the subsequent controversies surrounding it, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has expressed concern about a purported plot to undermine the Nigerian judiciary and democracy. He accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu of threatening and intimidating the judiciary to sway the outcome of the election petition in their favor.
In response, the APC dismissed Atiku’s claims as “arrant nonsense,” stating that they have full faith in the judiciary to dispense electoral justice in accordance with the Constitution and applicable laws. President Bola Tinubu also advised Atiku to allow the judiciary to carry out its duty without harassment, claiming that Atiku’s statements were disingenuous and a desperate attempt to discredit the judiciary.
Atiku Abubakar’s statement highlights concerns about the fairness and independence of the judiciary in handling election disputes, while the APC and President Tinubu argue that the accusations lack evidence and are merely an attempt to deflect from Atiku’s expected failure at the tribunal. The clash between the two political figures underscores the heightened tension and polarization in Nigeria’s political landscape after the recent elections.
