Opposition Coalition Tasks Obasanjo On 2023 Polls

The opposition coalition has pleaded with former President Olusegun Obasanjo to intervene and ensure that Nigeria’s 2023 election is credible and held in compliance with the law, in an atmosphere that is open, participatory, free, and fair.

The former president after his return from Ethiopia and Congo played host to the spokesperson of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) and PDP House of Representatives candidate for Ideato North and South Federal Constituency, Barr Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere in Abeokuta.

The spokesperson of the coalition of opposition parties who arrived in Abeokuta ahead of the scheduled meeting after exchanging pleasantries with the former president went into a closed-door meeting that lasted close to an hour where several issues ranging from a credible election, state of the nation, peacebuilding and stability of Nigeria and Africa, to the upcoming election, were discussed.

Speaking with journalists after the meeting, the opposition spokesperson said the opposition family was pleased with Obasanjo’s efforts and acts of statesmanship in Nigeria and Africa.

He added that Obasanjo’s intervention is also needed more now at home where many pressing challenges have created tension, economic crisis and mutual distrust which have now become potential threats to a peaceful election and transition.

A situation, he said, urgently calls for Obasanjo’s prowess in international advocacy before it’s too late.

Ugochinyere praised Obasanjo for the strong institutions and sectors he built during his reign from telecom to road infrastructure, anti-corruption institutions, and due process, most of which he said “are now being abused with just a few still standing and holding back Nigeria from total collapse.”

He stated that at this moment, Nigeria needs the fatherly support of Obasanjo and his international allies to ensure that Nigeria is not undermined and elections are credibly conducted without intimidation or interference of the opposition parties, or clampdown, manipulation or intimidation of electoral institutions in any way.