Atiku Abubakar Rebukes Economist Intelligence Unit’s Prediction on Tinubu’s Election Victory

In a scathing response, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has denounced the Economist Intelligence Unit’s (EIU) prediction that the presidential election petition tribunal will uphold President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s victory in the February 25, 2023 election. Atiku has accused the EIU of bias and serving the interests of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Atiku’s Criticism of EIU’s Report: In a statement released by Atiku’s media aide, Mr. Paul Ibe, the former vice president expressed his disappointment with the EIU’s report, calling it an “embarrassment to the think tank body.” Atiku dismissed the EIU’s prediction as an attempt to defend what he referred to as the “sham election” that retained the ruling party in office.

Atiku Urges Respect for Democracy and Judiciary: Atiku emphasized that despite salient issues raised by local and foreign observers regarding the credibility of the election, the EIU has chosen to endorse the ruling party. He called on the EIU to exercise more caution in its reports about Nigeria’s democracy and respect the country’s democratic processes and judiciary.

Critique of Tinubu’s Actions at the Tribunal: Atiku pointed out that President Tinubu had the opportunity to present his case of legitimacy before the election petition tribunal but instead focused on countering motions related to personal information. Atiku expressed concern about actions taken outside the walls of the court that could influence the outcome of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal, referring to it as a breach of due process.

As the controversy surrounding the election results and the EIU’s report continues to escalate, Atiku’s response serves as a stern warning to the think tank body to be more discerning in its analysis of Nigeria’s political landscape. The PDP candidate’s criticism also raises questions about the transparency and fairness of the electoral process and the need for the judiciary to uphold due process in resolving election disputes.

Key Highlights

• Atiku Abubakar criticizes the Economist Intelligence Unit’s prediction that the presidential election tribunal will not cancel Tinubu’s election victory.
• Atiku calls the EIU’s report an “embarrassment” and accuses it of being biased in favor of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
• Atiku urges the EIU to respect Nigeria’s democracy and the judiciary, warning against jumping to biased conclusions about Nigeria’s elections.