The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, has strongly criticised the conduct of the Rivers State local government election, describing it as “rascality taken too far” and “a desecration of democracy”.
Obi, who made his position known in a post on his official X account on Monday, faulted the legitimacy of the exercise, which was conducted under the supervision of a sole administrator.
Obi argued that the exercise was unconstitutional, legally untenable, and morally indefensible. He warned that such practices could set a dangerous precedent for governance in Nigeria.
RELATED STORIES:
“It represents a double tragedy for our democracy when a sole administrator himself is illegally appointed and dares to conduct an election that should empower the people,” Obi wrote. “This is not democracy; it is the outright desecration of its very foundation.”
“They send a dangerous message that the rule of law can be discarded at the whim of those in power. But the truth remains unshaken: illegality can never give birth to legitimacy. Any structure erected on a foundation of lawlessness is a danger to both the state and the people,” he stated.
He added that “Nigeria cannot afford to continue on this perilous path while suppressing the will of the people, especially at the grassroots where democratic representation has the most direct impact.”
Call for Electoral Integrity
The former Anambra State governor urged stakeholders to safeguard the people’s right to vote and to ensure that leadership at every level flows only from the mandate of the electorate.
“If we truly seek progress, we must uphold the sanctity of the ballot, safeguard the people’s right to choose, and insist that leadership at every level flows from their mandate – not from contraptions that mock democracy,” Obi said.
He stressed that good governance can only thrive when built on legitimacy and public trust.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) secured a sweeping victory in the Rivers State local government elections, winning 20 out of the 23 councils contested on Saturday.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
