Safeguard Nigeria's democracy

The Free Nigeria Movement (FRM) has called on the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) to demonstrate integrity and prioritize the preservation of democracy by delivering a just and fair decision.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, the Convener, Moses Paul, urged the court to consider the will of Nigerians and dispel any doubts or suspicions regarding the administration of justice.

Moses highlighted the critical state of Nigeria, referring to it as being in the “Intensive Care Unit” politically, ideologically, and in terms of infrastructure, national cohesion, insecurity, and public welfare.

He stressed that addressing these challenges requires the active participation of the five judges of the Presidential Election Petition Court.

“The judges must demonstrate to Nigerians that their voice is heard within the courtrooms, not just on the streets,” Moses said, urging the judges to uphold their integrity and defend the dignity of the nation in all their decisions, emphasizing that their actions would have a profound impact on Nigeria’s future.

“The walls of tolerance, cohesion, and inclusion that were torn during the 2023 general elections must be rebuilt. One way to begin is through justice,” he asserted.

Moses also emphasized the need for the judges to consider the impact of ongoing killings in various parts of the country, feel the pains of the citizens regardless of their social status, and understand that the consequences of their decisions will affect the entire nation.

Unprovoked attacks and mindless killings have persisted in states such as Benue, Borno, Kaduna, Katsina, Nasarawa and Yobe, despite government claims of tackling the situation.

The group also called on the Supreme Court to expedite the case of the double nomination of Vice President-elect Kashim Ibrahim Shettima and urged the release of electoral materials to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State.

“Attempts to deny the APC access to electoral materials in Delta State, is most disgraceful and unfortunate. We are a country of laws and must remain within the law in all our dealings.

“People must never be gagged from pursuing legitimate causes to prove their case. We call for the immediate release of all electoral materials to the APC in Delta State. The courts must never be used as an instrument to fuel the desperation of politicians and their surrogates,” the group stated.

It also maintained calls for the sack and prosecution of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission Mahmoud Yakubu, the cancellation of the presidential election, the establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Committee, and compensation for those affected by electoral violence.