Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s (LP) presidential candidate from the 2023 elections, has vehemently criticized the recent gubernatorial election in Edo State, labeling it a serious blow to Nigeria’s democratic framework.
Reports indicate that the election’s Returning Officer, Professor Faruq Adamu Kuta, who is also the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology (FUT) in Minna, announced that Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) emerged victorious, surpassing both Asue Ighodalo of the PDP and Obi’s favored LP candidate, Olumide Akpata.
In a statement posted on his X account following the election results, Obi voiced his disappointment, asserting that the election did not embody the democratic ideals that Nigerians aspire to in their political leadership selection.
He characterized the situation as a demonstration of state capture and cautioned that a country with a fundamentally flawed system for selecting leaders is on a path to failure.
Obi stressed the importance of effectively utilizing the National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) IReV and BVAS systems, which were designed to bolster electoral integrity in Nigeria.
He urged those in power to contemplate the long-lasting ramifications of their actions. Obi specifically addressed educators and other professionals involved in the electoral process, reminding them that their complicity in undermining democracy could have enduring effects on their futures and those of their offspring.
His statement included, “What transpired over the weekend in Edo State under the guise of an election does not reflect the democratic process we have chosen for electing our political leaders. Rather, it exemplifies a blatant instance of ‘state capture’ and a severe degradation of our democratic values.
“A nation with a leadership recruitment system riddled with flaws is headed for disaster, and we are witnessing the repercussions in our nation. I implore those in authority not to allow this situation to persist or to rely on it for their hold on power.
“As a nation, we have made significant investments in IReV and BVAS, and these tools should be utilized effectively to rid our electoral process of the rampant falsifications that have tainted it.
“To those agencies and individuals undermining our democracy simply because they occupy positions of authority, bear in mind that your time in power is not infinite. The society you are currently harming will seek retribution in the future.
“To the academics and others who are complicit in perpetuating this façade, consider deeply the roles you are playing in eroding the very foundation of our democracy. The harm you inflict today will ultimately come back to haunt you and affect your children down the line.
“Such actions have no place in a genuine democracy. That is why I have consistently asserted that today’s political landscape is not merely about seizing power but about rescuing our country and ensuring it serves everyone, irrespective of their background. I remain dedicated to the vision of a new, truly democratic Nigeria, which I firmly believe is achievable.”
