The Kaduna State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has appealed to Nigerians to uphold the integrity of the judicial system for the sake of national peace and harmonious coexistence.

CAN's Kaduna Chairman, Rev John Hayab, made this call on Wednesday in response to the Presidential Election Petition Court's (PEPC) decision affirming President Bola Tinubu's victory in the February 25, 2023, presidential election as the rightful winner. The court found that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, failed to substantiate his petition to remove Tinubu from office. Additionally, the petition filed by the Labour Party (LP) and its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, was dismissed for lack of merit.

Hayab stressed the importance of Nigerians respecting the rule of law to preserve the nation's unity and urged opposition candidates and citizens to accept the tribunal's judgment, even if it didn't align with their expectations.

He said: “We should, as Nigerians, respect the judicial system for the interest of peace and harmonious coexistence of the country.

“Nigerians must not allow themselves to be used to divide the country, based on political differences, but unite and work with the person the court rules in his favour to lead the affairs of the land for development to thrive in Nigeria.

“Politicians come and go, but the country remains. Therefore, we must think inward and not allow some selfish individuals to put the country into confusion that could lead to chaos that can result in loss of lives and destruction of property, which could set the country backwards, instead of consolidating Nigeria’s progress.”