Obi Condemns Use Of Teargas On Protesters

Former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has condemned the teargassing of peaceful protesters demanding credible elections, warning that such actions could further damage democratic integrity in Nigeria.

In a statement on Monday, Obi expressed concern over reports that citizens carrying out what he described as constitutionally protected civic duties were dispersed by security operatives while calling for electoral reforms.

He said, “Today, in our beloved country, harmless citizens performing their constitutionally guaranteed duties peacefully were tear-gassed simply for asking for what is right free, fair, and credible elections in a democratic nation.”

The former Anambra State governor said the development portrays the country negatively on the global stage and raises questions about the commitment of political actors to democratic principles.

According to him, “Those who yesterday claimed to be champions of democracy have today become destroyers of our democracy and the worst enemies of good governance.”

Obi urged citizens to remain united in resisting actions capable of weakening the nation’s democratic system, stressing the need to safeguard the country’s collective future.

He specifically called for the adoption of real-time electronic transmission of polling unit results, describing it as a necessary step toward strengthening transparency and public confidence in elections.

“We insist that there must be real-time mandatory electronic transmission of polling unit results to ensure transparency and trust in our elections,” he stated.

The former governor maintained that credible elections remain fundamental to justice, good governance and sustainable national development, adding that Nigerians must remain steadfast in the pursuit of electoral reforms.

Security agencies had yet to issue an official statement regarding the alleged dispersal of the protesters as of the time of filing this report.

End.