The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday resolved after its caucus meeting to report President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Nigerian military to the the United Nations and other global democratic institutions over the killing of Nigerians during the Presidential and National Assembly elections on February 23.
If this is proven, it suffices as crime against humanity, for which the International Criminal Court at the Hague could assume jurisdiction.
The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Mr Kola Ologbondiyan, disclosed this to journalists after the party’s expanded caucus meeting in Abuja, commending Nigerians for coming out to vote and during the elections despite the intimidation.
According to him, the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, won the election, but said his mandate was stolen.
Mr. Ologbondiyan revealed that the caucus also decided to fully to support Atiku and the PDP in their resolve to reclaim the “stolen mandate” from Mr. Buhari.
The PDP spokesman stated that Buhari and the APC are already jittery over the decision of Atiku and the PDP to go to the tribunal.
He said, “Caucus commended Nigerians for refusing the harassment, intimidation and militarisation of the electoral process and participating in the elections but noted that the mandate that was freely given to our candidate was stolen and as such the party and the candidate jointly resolved to go to the tribunal and to see it through to the end of what is permissible within our legal system to get back our mandate on behalf of Nigerians.
“Caucus further noted the role of the military in the February 23 elections and resolved that we will report the action of the military through a petition to the United Nations as well as other global democratic institutions on the role of our military in the February 23 elections.
“Caucus also reviewed the situation in Kano State particularly as it concerned the court decision that the PDP should organise a fresh rerun for its governorship candidate and noted that an appeal had been filed against the judgement and we will continue to study and follow the situation as they arise.”
On alleged alleged intimidation of Atiku, his acquaintances and personal lawyer by the Buhari government and the APC, he said, “Caucus further raised issues about the harassment, intimidation and the cajoling of our members on the plot by the Buhari presidency as well as the APC to intimidate Atiku and the resolve of the PDP to go to court by insisting, blackmailing and saying that he should not go to court. We insist that our party and our candidate have resolved to seek legal redress on the stolen mandate.”
The presidential and national assembly elections were marred with violence in some parts of the country. At least 40 Nigerians were killed, including one INEC staff.
A shootout between the military and hoodlums in Abonnema, Rivers State left one solider and five others dead, the military said.
But the Abonnema people claimed that at least 35 of its children were killed by the military during that election.
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