The Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has voiced his strong disapproval of the recently concluded Edo State gubernatorial election, allegig irregularities and the undermining of democratic values.
Taking to his X (formerly Twitter) page on Monday, Obi expressed his dissatisfaction with the conduct of the election, which took place on Saturday, September 21.
Obi stated, “What happened over the weekend in the name of election in Edo State does not in any way represent the democratic process we chose as a method of electing our political leadership.” He went on to describe the election as “a blatant example of ‘state capture’ and continued gross undermining of our democratic process and values.”
Obi warned that any nation with a flawed leadership recruitment process was “doomed,” and pointed out that the consequences of such failures were already evident in Nigeria. He urged authorities to take action: “I urge those in authority not to allow this situation to stand, or depend on it to remain in power.”
Obi also addressed concerns about the integrity of the election technologies, stressing that significant investments had been made in the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) IReV and BVAS systems, which must be properly utilised. “They must be allowed to function and used properly in order to free our electoral process from the massive falsification that has plagued it and worsened,” he added.
The opposition leader did not stop at addressing the authorities. He also called out individuals complicit in electoral malpractices, warning that their actions would have lasting repercussions. “To the agencies and individuals being used to undermine our democracy simply because they hold positions of authority, please remember that your time in office is not eternal. The society that you are helping to destroy today will eventually take her revenge on you tomorrow.”
Obi further addressed university lecturers and other electoral officials involved in the alleged manipulation, urging them to reflect on their roles in damaging the foundation of Nigeria’s democracy. “The damage you are causing today will inevitably take revenge on you tomorrow and affect your children in the future,” he warned.
Obi reiterated his commitment to building a truly democratic Nigeria, stating, “Today’s politics is not about capturing power, but about saving the country and making it work for everyone, regardless of their background. I remain committed to building a new and truly democratic Nigeria, which I insist is very possible .”
The election saw the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, declared winner, defeating People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Asue Ighodalo, by a margin of 44,393 votes. However, the outcome has been met with widespread criticism. Both the LP and the PDP have raised concerns about the transparency of the process, with accusations of electoral malpractice.
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