The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 General Election says the challenge of June 12 is to inspire the correction of the “errors of our recent elections.”
Peter Obi stated this in his Democracy Day message to Nigerians.
He praised the resilience of Nigerians in choosing democracy in 1993 when Nigeria was under military rule.
“On that day in 1993, we the people of Nigeria stated our unreserved preference for true democracy. Though under military rule, we freely chose a transparent voting method,” he wrote.
“Our votes reflected our true choice as a people. Our choice on that day defied divisions of ethnicity, religion, and region.
“It is these qualities that added up to make June 12 special in our search for true democracy.
“Our collective choice of late Chief M. K.O Abiola as a worthy leader for the nation was saluted by Nigerians and governments and people across the world.
“Therefore, June 12 underpins our long collective journey to nationhood as a true democracy,” Obi added.
But the candidate, who is challenging the result of the 2023 Presidential Election in court, says Nigeria’s democracy and current elections are troubled.
“Our democracy is deeply troubled while our nation’s destiny remains uncertain and precarious,” he stated.
“We remain a nation in search of solutions to too many basic problems. One of these is the search for a credible electoral system that would command the trust, confidence, and belief of ALL Nigerians just like June 12 did.”
He blamed government leaders for impunity and violence.
“Regrettably, we are now in an era where these foundational pillars of democracy are undermined by prevalent impunity and pervasive violence, and bloodletting.
“The trust deficit between the leaders and Nigerians continues to expand. The deficits of trust and efficiency in our last elections demonstrate this malady quite boldly.
“The challenge of June 12 and a dedicated Democracy Day is to inspire us to correct the errors of our recent elections. This is the surest way to restore the confidence of our people in the future of our nation and the promise of true democracy."
Obi pointed out that Nigeria needs an electoral system that “commands the trust of the people.”
He also said the Nigerian government must respect the social contract with the people by meeting their needs, obeying their wishes, and being responsible.
