Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has criticized Saturday’s election in Edo State, calling it a “blatant example of’state capture'” that undermines Nigeria’s democratic process.
Obi raised concern about the voting system’s integrity in a statement issued on Monday via X in response to the weekend’s events.
“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,” Obi said.
He cautioned that such poor leadership recruiting methods could have serious ramifications for the nation. Obi urged authorities to address the situation, saying, “I urge those in authority not to allow this situation to stand, or depend on it to remain in power.”
He emphasized the need of making effective use of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s technology developments, such as IReV and BVAS, to ensure free and fair elections. The former governor of Anambra State went on to criticize those who undermined the democratic process.
“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.
Obi issued a warning to academics and anyone involved in alleged electoral malpractices, calling them to seriously consider their involvement in undermining Nigeria’s democracy.
Obi reiterated his vision for Nigeria, saying, “Today’s politics is not about capturing power, but about saving the country and making it work for everyone, regardless of their background.”
After Saturday’s election, INEC revealed that Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress candidate, received 291,667 votes, defeating his closest challenger, the Peoples Democratic Party candidate, Asue Ighodalo, who received 247,274 votes.
However, the Labour Party’s candidate, Olumide Akpata, received only 22,763 votes, failing to surprise many.
Written by Jennifer Amarachi
