US group to PEPT: Your decision will reverberate across Africa; Slams Justice Mary Odili; Urges just, fair judgement, not technicalities

A Washington DC, US-based pro-democracy group, the Nigerian-American Coalition for Justice and Democracy (NACJD), has called on the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT) set to deliver its decisions on September 6, on the petitions challenging the election of Bola Tinubu, as President to deliver “a judgment that transcends partisan politics and prioritizes the principles of justice and fairness.”

In a statement by its Chairman and Secretary, Professor Eddie Oparaoji and Dim Chijike Ndukwu, respectively, the group urged the Court not to base its judgment on technicalities but on merit and justice, insisting that the case is “so clear and uncomplicated.”

NACJD, which accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), of partisanship in the 2023 Presidential polls, came down hard on retired Justice Mary Odili for her recent utterances at a public event concerning the outcome of the cases in court.

“We cannot ignore the recent, unpatriotic, and irresponsible statement made by Retired Justice Mary Odili. Her lack of grit and candor in such a pivotal moment in our history is regrettable,” the group said, while urging the Judges “as the current guardians of our democracy” to “exhibit the unwavering commitment to justice that our esteemed judicial system demands.”

The group, which said that “the APM, PDP, and the Labour Party painstakingly and comprehensively presented their cases against the grievous injustices that marred the election,” also called on “the Judiciary as the last bastion of hope to uphold the principles of justice, fairness, and the Rule of Law that our democracy rests upon.”

It stated further that “Nigeria stands at the crossroads of history. The winds of change are sweeping across Africa, with citizens rising against oppressive regimes. Your judgment will not only shape the destiny of Nigeria but will reverberate across the African continent.”

The group concluded with a call on “all Nigerians to remain vigilant and unwavering in their commitment to justice and democracy. The fate of our nation hangs in the balance, and together, we will determine whether democracy in Nigeria will continue to thrive or wither away. The world is watching; history beckons and the Nigerian people demand nothing less than justice.”