This comes after the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar
disagreed with the result as announced by the INEC Chairman, Prof.
Mahmood Yakubu, vowing to challenge it.
The PDP is accusing the ruling party of manipulating the outcome of
the election, through suppression of the party’s votes, intimidation,
rigging and other electoral infractions. The APC has, however, denied
the allegations, describing the PDP as a bad loser and promising to meet
Atiku in court.
As part of moves towards resolving the dispute, the National Peace
Committee met with PDP flag bearer, as well as other leaders of the
party in Abuja, including the vice presidential candidate, Peter Obi;
PDP National Chairman, Uche Secondus; Senate President, Bukola Saraki;
and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara.
Speaking with journalists after the meeting, which took place at the
residence of the PDP Presidential candidate, Gen. Abubakar said his
committee decided to address the disagreement, given its mission to
always ensure that there is peace in the country.
“Currently now, tensions are high and we need to see how we can douse
the situation. We have come to listen to the grievances from the PDP.
We will continue shuttling to see how we can make sure that the peace is
maintained,” he said.
Asked if the talks would be extended to the ruling party, Gen.
Abubakar said, “Naturally, when you are dealing of course you need to
contact all the stakeholders.”
Other members of the committee present at the meeting which was held
behind closed doors were the Bishop of Sokoto Catholic Diocese, Matthew
Kukah and the Archbishop of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan.
