Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of Nigeria’s Labour party in the February 25 general elections, has been making headlines recently due to his challenge against the electoral process used by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to declare the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu, as the winner of the election. This comes after Obi insists on challenging the process and outcome of results from the polls.
However, there has been some confusion regarding his statement, and Obi has since clarified that he is not challenging the outcome of the election, but rather the process used to declare the winner.
Obi emphasised that a transparent and fair electoral process is essential for the integrity of the election and the democracy of the country. He stated that “getting the process right is more fundamental than what they do thereafter,” and that the path to becoming an “excellency” must be excellent. Obi’s challenge has been welcomed by many Nigerians who share his concerns and worries about the conduct of the election and the independence of the electoral body. Many Nigerians are not satisfied with the shabby work of the INEC. High hopes of many Nigerians for a credible, free and fair election were dashed in the mud by the electoral commission.
The INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has responded to Obi’s challenge by assuring his legal team that the commission will provide all the necessary documents to prosecute their case and that they have nothing to hide. Yakubu has also promised to discuss with the Resident Electoral Commissioners how other state-level documents can be made available to the team promptly. This move shows the INEC’s commitment to transparency and fairness in the electoral process.
It is important to note that Tinubu was declared the winner of the presidential election by INEC on March 1, defeating Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party and Obi, who came second and third, respectively, in the keenly contested poll. While the election results have been declared, Obi’s challenge highlights the importance of a fair and transparent electoral process, which is essential for the credibility of the election and the democracy of the country. Obi insists on challenging the process and outcome of results from the polls.
In conclusion, Peter Obi’s challenge against the electoral process used by INEC to declare Bola Tinubu as the winner of the presidential election has raised concerns about the conduct of the election and the independence of the electoral body.
Obi has emphasized the importance of a transparent and fair electoral process, and the INEC has responded by assuring his legal team of their commitment to transparency and fairness. Despite the assurance from the commission, Nigerians have lost hope in the credibility of the commission. Not only the INEC, but also the judiciary has been performing below expectation, it is no longer the last hope of a common Man as quoted.
While Tinubu has been declared the winner of the presidential election, Obi’s challenge serves as a reminder of the importance of a credible electoral process for the democracy of the country.
