President Goodluck Jonathan has advised the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, leadership to
drop plans to challenge Gen. Buhari’s victory at the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal, as it would only serve to distract the incoming administration.
A source close to the administration revealed that the President requested that the PDP drop plans to go to tribunal against Buhari.
The President stressed that he wanted his word to be his bond, having been applauded by the international community.
“At a point, Jonathan said ‘I don’t believe in post-election petition at tribunals, because it distracts the incoming administration.
“He told party leaders that he was not interested in going to the tribunal. It is now left for PDP leaders to heed his advice,” the source disclosed.
However, PDP party stalwarts are of the opinion that the election results be contested even though the President has said it makes no sense contesting Buhari’s victory after he had conceded defeat; referring to electoral scenario in Ekiti where the APC went to tribunal despite the acceptance of defeat by ex-Governor Kayode Fayemi.
PDP Chairman Adamu Mu’azu, only recently, noted allegations of irregularities that plagued the presidential elections, but did not say whether or not the party would take it up:
“We have received reports of serious irregularities that characterized the conduct of the election and we shall channel our protests to the appropriate quarters in line with our profound respect for the rule of law and democratic ethos.
“What is paramount to us is the survival of our democracy, the unity, peace and progress of our dear nation and the happiness of all our people. Nigeria is bigger than any political party, individual or group and her overall interest must be our priority at all times,” he added.
The source also revealed that the Presidency has plans to raise a Transition Committee instead.
Tentative reports have it that the Vice President-elect, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, is likely to head the All Progressives Congress, APC, team which will join the committee ahead of the May 29 transition.
Another source acknowledged that a clearer image of the transition committee would emerge by the coming week accommodating questions from the APC on perceived grey areas.
“The Presidency is working on a seamless transition from Jonathan’s administration to Buhari’s. The details are being worked out.”
“I think by next week, the picture of the transition committee will emerge. The government is working early on the transition because it involves a lot of work.
“The APC team will have to collaborate with the committee and ask questions if there are grey areas,” the source concluded.
