Edo guber election outcome, an example of ‘state capture’ – Peter Obi

Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, has expressed deep concerns over the recently concluded Edo State governorship election.

In a statement posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Obi denounced the election as an example of “state capture” and a gross undermining of democratic values.

Obi questioned the integrity of the process, stating that such flawed leadership recruitment systems spell doom for the country.

He also urged those in authority to reject the results and not rely on such tactics to maintain power. Emphasizing the importance of IReV and BVAS in ensuring transparent elections, he called for their proper use to avoid massive falsifications.

The Labour Party candidate further warned officials complicit in the undermining of democracy, including lecturers and public servants, that the society they are helping to destroy will eventually take its toll on them and their families.

He reiterated his commitment to building a new Nigeria founded on true democracy, emphasizing that his political vision is about saving the country, not just capturing power.

Obi’s strong stance reflects his continuous advocacy for electoral reforms and democratic accountability in Nigeria.

He wrote:

“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.

I urge those in authority not to allow this situation to stand, or depend on it to remain in power.

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.

I remain committed to building a new and truly democratic Nigeria, which I insist is very POssible. -PO”