Former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, says the supreme court judgement on Imo state governorship election has to be accepted and respected even though it is unfavourable to his his party, Peoples Democratic party (PDP).

On Tuesday, the supreme court sacked Emeka Ihedioha as governor of Imo, declaring Hope Uzodinma, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as the winner of the March 9 governorship election in the state.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Ihedioha winner of the election, but Uzodinma, who came fourth in the poll, challenged the outcome of the exercise.

In a statement issued by his media office, Atiku said the rule of law must be respected and upheld.

The former vice president beseeched Ihedioha not to allow the verdict deflate and dampen his resolve, saying he would bounce back from the defeat much stronger.

“I can only say that since the Supreme Court is final, we must accept its judgment, however unexpected and unpalatable it may be. The Rule of law must guide our paths even if logic sheds light on a different path,” he said.

He said the PDP had “provided genuine democracy for this nation once before”, and that it is the destiny of the party to democratically restore what has been lost owing ”to the encroachment of anti-democratic agents”.

“Let me state unequivocally that I solidarise with Emeka Ihedioha, a man I know to be a great leader of men and resources. In the fullness of time, I am convinced that he will overcome this setback and emerge stronger,” he said.

“My greatest desire, and one I hope to see again in my lifetime, is that Nigeria will fulfill its potential as the land of Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress.

“These four ideals have been missing from our borders for a while, and all freedom-loving Nigerians ought to henceforth work together to bring them back. So, help us, God.”

Uzodinma had described the judgement as a restoration of his stolen mandate.