Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Senator Ben Murray-Bruce has urged his party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s Peter Obi to accept the verdict of the Presidential election petition tribunal.

In a statement on his X handle, the Bayelsa-born politician urged the duo to prioritise democracy and national unity over individual interests and ”follow the Jonathan doctrine.”

He expressed optimism that with the legal uncertainty resolved, Nigeria can look forward to even better days ahead.

His words:

”Once elections have been held and a winner is announced, we must follow the Jonathan doctrine and accept the people’s verdict in the interest of democracy and the nation. Our elections don’t have to end in the courts.

”But now that we have found ourselves in this position, and the courts have spoken, let us put national interest above self-interest, accept the verdict, and move on so the nation can advance.

”Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the duly elected and undisputed President of Nigeria, and this judgment should settle all questions and erase all doubts. I commend the judges of the Presidential Election Petition Court for doing a challenging job exceptionally well. It was democracy that won.

”So, I commend both the President and his challengers. Coincidentally, this verdict is coming as the President marks a hundred days in office, days that have been eventful, effective and decisive.

”And now, without this unnecessary uncertainty hanging over his head, we can expect even better days.

”Finally, I call on supporters of all the parties to this now settled case to be mindful of recent events on our continent and thus tailor their words and actions to promote the peace, progress and prosperity of Nigeria as one democratic and united nation under God.”