Edo election a ‘blatant example of state capture’, undermines democracy —Obi

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

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

“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,” Obi said.

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

Obi emphasized that the election was marred by irregularities that should not be tolerated. He stressed the importance of allowing the Investments in IReV and BVAS technologies to function properly to eliminate widespread falsification in the electoral process.

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In a stern warning, Obi cautioned agencies and individuals complicit in undermining democracy that their actions will have consequences.

“The society that you are helping to destroy today will eventually take her revenge on you tomorrow,” he stated.

Obi also urged lecturers and others involved in perpetuating electoral malpractices to reflect on the damage they are causing to Nigeria’s democracy.

“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 worsening.

“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.

“This 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.”

“The damage you are causing today will inevitably take revenge on you tomorrow and affect your children in the future,” he added.

This development highlights Nigeria’s ongoing struggle with electoral integrity, a concern that has plagued the country’s democratic process for decades.

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

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