Edo election a ‘clear example of state capture’, undermining democracy —Obi

Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, on Monday strongly condemned the conduct of the September 21, 2024 governorship election in Nigeria’s Edo State.

In a statement posted on X, Obi described the election as “a clear example of ‘state capture’ and the continued undermining of our democratic processes and values.”

“What happened over the weekend in the name of elections in Edo State does not in any way reflect the democratic process that we have chosen as the method of electing our political leaders.

“On the contrary, it is a clear example of ‘state takeover’ and the continued undermining of our democratic processes and values,” Obi said.

Obi’s remarks came after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced on Monday that Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was the winner of the election, with 291,667 votes. Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secured 247,274 votes, while Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party trailed with 22,763 votes.

Obi stressed that the election was marred by various violations that cannot be tolerated. He stressed the importance of allowing the Investment in IReV and BVAS technology to function properly to eliminate widespread fraud in the election process.

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In his stark warning, Obi warned agencies and individuals involved in undermining democracy that their actions would have consequences.

“The society you help destroy today will eventually take revenge on you tomorrow,” he said.

Obi also urged lecturers and others involved in perpetuating electoral fraud to reflect on the damage they are causing to Nigerian democracy.

“As a country, we have invested significantly in IReV and BVAS, and both must be allowed to function and be used properly to rid our electoral process of the massive fraud that has plagued and worsened it.

“To the institutions and individuals who are used to undermine our democracy simply because they hold positions of authority, please remember that your tenure will not last forever. The society you help destroy today will ultimately take its revenge on you tomorrow.

“To the lecturers and others involved in the effort to perpetuate this charade, you must reflect deeply on the role you play in undermining the foundations of our democracy.

“The damage you cause today will surely come back to haunt you in the future and will affect your children in the future.

“This kind of action has no place in a true democracy. That is why I have always argued that politics today is not about grabbing power, but about saving the country and making it work for everyone, regardless of their background.”

“The damage you cause today will surely come back to haunt you in the future and will affect your children in the future,” he added.

The development highlights Nigeria’s ongoing struggle with electoral integrity, an issue that has plagued the country’s democratic processes for decades.

As Nigeria continues to grapple with these challenges, Obi’s remarks serve as a reminder of the need for genuine democratic reforms to ensure free and fair elections.

Post-Edo election, ‘a clear example of state capture’, undermining democracy —Obi first appeared on Latest Nigeria News | Headlines from Ripples Nigeria.