Peter Obi Condemns Edo Election, Calls for Electoral Integrity
Peter Obi Condemns Edo Governorship Election, Calls for Electoral Integrity .In a strong statement following the governorship election in Edo State, Labour Party’s presidential candidate Peter Obi expressed deep disappointment over the events that transpired over the weekend. According to Obi, the conduct of the election, marred by irregularities, “does not in any way represent the democratic process” Nigeria has chosen for electing its leaders.
Peter Obi , The former Anambra State governor labeled the election as a “blatant example of state capture” and criticized it as part of the ongoing “gross undermining” of Nigeria’s democracy. Obi warned that any country whose leadership recruitment process is so deeply flawed is “doomed,” pointing to the current state of Nigeria as a direct consequence.
Obi condemned the way the electoral materials were used and urged those in power to ensure the integrity of the election is restored and warned against relying on such corrupt processes to retain political control. He reiterated the need for Nigeria to uphold its investments in electoral reforms, including the use of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) IReV (Independent Results Viewing Portal) and BVAS (Bimodal Voter Accreditation System), which were designed to improve transparency and reduce electoral fraud. He emphasized that these tools must be allowed to function properly to free Nigeria’s elections from falsification.
Addressing the individuals and institutions involved in what he termed a “charade,” including university lecturers who assisted in overseeing the election process, Obi called on them to reflect on the long-term damage their actions are causing to Nigeria’s democracy. He reminded them that their positions are not eternal, and that the society they are helping to undermine will eventually hold them accountable.
“This kind of action has no place in a true democracy,” Obi stressed, reaffirming his commitment to building a new and truly democratic Nigeria. He closed his statement by reiterating that his vision for the country is not about seizing power, but about “saving the country and making it work for everyone.”
Peter Obi’s strong reaction adds to the growing criticism from citizens and observers who have raised concerns about the fairness of the electoral process in Edo State, with many calling for a thorough review of the election.
