Presidential candidates at the just concluded presidential election Monday asked the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Atiku Abubakar to drop litigation against the outcome of the election and concede defeat.
Atiku, a former vice president, who trailed second behind President Muhammadu Buhari in the February 23 rescheduled polls, had expressed his dissatisfaction with the exercise and alleged that it was frought with malpractices.
To this end, he had inaugurated a legal team to reclaim his alleged stolen mandate.
But addressing a press conference in Abuja, Chairman of forum of Presidential Candidates and political parties for good governance, Alhaji Shittu Mohammad Kabir, who was flanked by his members, said the interest of the nation will not be served by his intended legal actions.
Kabir also urged Atiku to heel to the counsel of former Military Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida and Chief Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) not to challenge the election’s result in court.
He said: “After the presidential contest and the declaration of a winner, it is time we begin the process of moving the country forward. Now, is the time to do away with primordial sentiments, especially all ethnic, religious and class sentiments. Nigeria is bigger than all.
“We have taken keen interest in the pronouncements of politicians and some other statements on the outcome of the election and its acceptability or otherwise. It is our considered opinion and conviction that the interest of the nation will not be served by any party or individual resorting to litigation, either to upturn the verdict of INEC or challenging the conduct of the election.
“With all sense of patriotism, we urge the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to disregard the advice of those asking him to challenge the outcome of election.
” We strongly urge Alhaji Abubakar to drop the legal option in expressing his grievances. This is consistent with the counsel of many well-meaning Nigerians including Chief Olisa Agbakoba and General Ibrahim Babangida. At his age, he should avoid any action and utterances capable of fanning the embers of discord, disagreement and violent conduct. Nigeria is greater than any personal or class interest”.
