Presidential candidates to Atiku: avoid legal action

Forum of Presidential Candidates and Political Parties for Good Governance on Monday advised the presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the just- concluded Presidential election Abubakar Atiku to drop the legal option in expressing his grievances.

It said the President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari is his kinsman.

Addressing newsmen in Abuja, the National Campaign Committee Chairman of the forum, Shittu Kabir, urged him to disregard the advice of those asking him to challenge the outcome of the election in court but rather work and support Buhari.

“This is consistent with the counsel of many well-meaning Nigerians including Chief Olisa Agbakoba and General Ibrahim Babangida.

“We also believe that the former vice president has made a mark among Nigerians of means who have positively impacted their communities.

“We think he has a lot more to contribute to developing humanity and promoting peace and progress in our nation, even without holding a political office.

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“At his age, he should now 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.”

He said after the presidential contest and the declaration of a winner, it is time Nigerians should begin the process of moving the country forward, saying it is the time to do away with primordial sentiments, especially all ethnic, religious and class sentiments.

While emphasising that Nigeria is bigger than all, Kabir said the forum had taken keen interest in the pronouncements of politicians and some elder statesmen 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 the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) or challenging the conduct of the election.

“The pattern of voting, the large turn-out and county-wide endorsement of President Buhari attests to the fact that Nigerians are pleased with him, his style of leadership and performance in the last three and a half years.

“It is our collective view that he should be encouraged to improve on his performance during his second tenure,” he stressed.