Presidency not jittery over Atiku’s planned legal battle, says Boss Mustafa

The Presidency has said that it will not fret over the decision of the candidate of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar to challenge the outcome of last Saturday’s Presidential election in court.

“Our electoral Act and the constitution have both provided a window for whoever is dissatisfied with the process of election to seek redress. That is the path and we will encourage them to go along that path,” said Secretary to the government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha.

Atiku described the election as the worst in the history of Nigeria and likened it to rape on democracy. He said allowing the outcome of the election to stand will amount to a disservice to the country.

He vowed to use every democratic means to fight and reclaim his mandate.

However, the Presidency has encouraged the PDP candidate approach the courts if he feels strongly against the outcome of the polls which gave President Mohammadu Buhari victory over the former president.

Fielding questions from newsmen at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Wednesday night, Mustapha said the country’s constitution and the electoral act have provided that whoever is not satisfied with results of an election should take their grouse to the courts.

“We are not jittery at all because the process was open and transparent.

“It was a credible election and we will continue to savour in the victory but in the process too, we will extend the hand of friendship for the purpose of nation-building and reconciliation.”

Mustapha assured Nigerians that President Muhammadu Buhari will do more for them in his second term, especially in the area of provision of infrastructure development.

“Looking into the future of the country, the President is very clear about what he wants to do. He will stand on the three pivot points that he pushed forward in 2015; securing the nation, diversifying the economy and also fighting corruption with all intensity.

“There will be inclusiveness all over the place. This is one government that has really invested in social infrastructure by bringing people who are below the poverty level up and out of poverty.

“There are so many things that we are looking forward to and I am very thrilled and grateful that we had this opportunity to now consolidate on the tenets and gains of our democracy,” the SGF said.