The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River says it will contest Wednesday’s Appeal Court judgment that affirmed Governor Bassey Otu as the state’s March 18 governorship election winner.

The party’s decision to challenge Mr Otu’s electoral victory is contained in a statement by its state publicity secretary, Mike Ojisi, in Calabar on Thursday.

While urging PDP supporters to remain calm, Mr Ojisi noted that the appellate court’s verdict did not reflect the full conviction of the party’s position on the processes leading to the election.

“While we are saddened by this temporary setback, we are, however, glad that there is still room at the Supreme Court, and this is the beauty of our judicial system and democracy.

“We kindly appeal to our teeming supporters and party faithful to remain calm, as we are still committed to seeking legal opinions and exhausting all legal means toward reclaiming our mandate,” he said.

The Lagos Division of the Appeal Court had, on Wednesday, affirmed the tribunal judgment, which upheld Mr Otu’s victory after dismissing the PDP candidate, Sandy Onor’s petition for lack of merit.

Meanwhile, the governor, who had earlier called for an end to further litigation, said he remained unshaken by the petition against his electoral victory.

On the appeal court judgment, Mr Otu said he believed the state’s people overwhelmingly gave him their mandate.

He said it was time for all, irrespective of political party affiliations, to join hands with him to move the state forward.

“For those in the opposition, especially my brother, Prof. Sandy Onor, I once again offer you a hand of friendship.

“Come and join my administration so that we can move our state forward and bring about dividends of democracy,” he said.

(NAN)