Former presidential candidate and Labour Party leader, Peter Obi, has strongly criticized the recent elections in Edo State, labeling the process as a blatant example of “state capture” and an undermining of Nigeria’s democratic values. In a statement issued over the weekend, Obi expressed his disappointment with the conduct of the election, calling it a far cry from the democratic process Nigerians have fought to uphold.
“What happened over the weekend in the name of an election in Edo State does not in any way represent the democratic process we chose as a method of electing our political leadership,” Obi stated. He went on to describe the process as deeply flawed, warning that any nation with such a compromised system for selecting its leaders is on a dangerous path. “Any nation whose leadership recruitment process is so fatally flawed is doomed, and we are all seeing the effect in our country,” he added.
Obi urged those in positions of power to take immediate action to rectify the situation, calling on the authorities not to rely on such tactics to maintain their hold on power. “I urge those in authority not to allow this situation to stand or depend on it to remain in power,” he said, stressing that the failure of Nigeria’s electoral process has far-reaching consequences for the country’s development.
He also emphasized the need for Nigeria’s election technology, particularly the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) IReV and BVAS systems, to be fully implemented and allowed to function properly. “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 is worsening,” Obi remarked.
Addressing those complicit in undermining the country’s democracy, including electoral officials and lecturers involved in the process, Obi warned that their actions would eventually come back to haunt them. “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,” he said. “The society that you are helping to destroy today will eventually take her revenge on you tomorrow.”
Obi concluded his statement by reaffirming his commitment to 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.” GMTNewsng
