The Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has strongly condemned the conduct of Saturday’s gubernatorial election in Edo State, describing it as a gross undermining of Nigeria’s democratic process.
Tribune Online reports that the election’s Returning Officer, Professor Faruq Adamu Kuta, Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology (FUT), Minna, declared that Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) won the election, defeating Asue Ighodalo of the PDP and Obi’s preferred LP candidate, Olumide Akpata.
Reacting to the election results on Monday, Obi, via a statement on his X account, expressed dismay over the election, stating that it failed to reflect the democratic principles Nigerians have chosen for electing political leaders.
He described the process as an example of state capture, warning that a nation with a deeply flawed leadership recruitment system is destined for failure.
Obi also emphasised the need for the proper use of the National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) IReV and BVAS, which were introduced to improve the integrity of elections in Nigeria.
Addressing those in positions of authority, Obi urged them to reflect on the long-term consequences of their actions. He called out lecturers and other professionals involved in the electoral process, reminding them that their roles in undermining democracy would have lasting impacts on their future and that of their children.
The statement reads, “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. Instead, it was a blatant example of ‘state capture’ and continued gross undermining of our democratic process and values.
“Any nation whose leadership recruitment process is so fatally flawed is doomed, and we are all seeing the effect in our country. I urge those in authority not to allow this situation to stand, or depend on it to remain in power.
“As a country, we have invested significantly in IReV and BVAS, and 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 worsening.
“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.
“To the lecturers and others complicit in perpetuating this charade, you must reflect deeply on the roles you are playing in damaging the very foundation of our democracy. The damage you are causing today will inevitably take revenge on you tomorrow and affect your children in the future.
“This kind of action has no place in a true democracy. That is why I have always maintained that 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. -PO.”
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