FG To PDP, Atiku: Governmment Of National Unity Will Never Happen

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FG To PDP, Atiku: Governmment Of National Unity Will Never Happen

The Federal Government on Monday said it would not consider a Government of National Unity being canvassed by some Nigerians following the outcome of the 2019 presidential election which was won by President Muhammadu Buhari.

According to the results declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), President Buhari, who was seeking re-election, garnered 15,191,847 votes to defeat his closest rival, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of the PDP, who polled 11,262,978.

Atiku has already rejected the result and vowed to challenge it in court.

However, some Nigerians, including political parties, have asked Atiku not to go to court while asking President Buhari to form a Government of National Unity.

Speaking with our correspondent on Monday, a top government official said those clamouring for a Government of National Unity should perish the thought as the constitution did not provide for that.

“Is there a provision in the constitution for Government of National Unity? The election has been conducted, INEC has declared a winner.

“The opponent who came second has refused to congratulate the winner and insisted on going to court. We wish him good luck.

“Why will anybody even think of a Government of National Unity? The election was a free, fair, and credible election and it was endorsed by both local and foreign observers.

“It was not a close contest in any way. The winner has emerged. Why will anybody moot the idea of Government of National Unity as if there is a constitutional crisis? They should perish the thought because it will never happen,” he said.

Also speaking, Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, said the government would not consider the option as it was not in the constitution.

“What does the constitution say about Government of National Unity? The question does not arise,” he said.