Victor Ezeja
Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Mr Peter Obi, has expressed dismay over the conduct of the 2024 governorship poll in Edo State on Saturday, saying what happened was clearly against the principles of democracy chosen by the country for electing political leadership.
Obi described what transpired during Saturday’s polls as a clear example of ‘state capture’, adding that it grossly undermines the country’s democratic process and values.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelIn a statement via his verified X handle on Monday, Obi said: “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.”
The former Anambra State governor urged those in authority not to allow such a situation stand, or depend on it to remain in power.
While noting that Nigeria has significantly invested in creating the INEC Results Viewing (IReV) portal and the Bimodal Voter Authentication System (BVAS), he stressed that they must be allowed to be used properly to guarantee a free, fair and credible electoral process, avoid “massive falsification that has plagued it and worsening.”
He reminded those in various agencies being used to undermine the country’s democracy that the evil they do today in office will turn around to haunt them later.
“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,” Obi warned.
READ ALSO: Edo Election: PDP’s Ighodalo Hails Supporters, Says Mandate Brazenly Stolen
He emphasised that such 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,” he added.
Prime Business Africa reports that the 21 September governorship election saw the emergence of the All Progressives Congress (APC), candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, winner.
Senator Okpebholo scored 291,667 votes against Mr Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who got 247,274 votes. The Labour Party candidate, Olumide Akpata, came third with 22,763 votes.
PDP has rejected the outcome. Ighodalo in a statement on Monday claimed that his mandate was brazenly stolen.
Also, some election observer groups, Yiaga Africa have said the election failed integrity test, pointing out that there are a lot of inconsistencies that marred the election.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
