 |
| Obi and party chieftains at the press conference |
The Labour Party presidential candidate has faulted Nigeria's inability to conduct free and fair elections 63 years after independence, saying he will challenge the outcome of the 2023 presidential election, which he described as "electoral rascality", in court.
The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, held his first press conference since the February 25, 2023, Presidential election in Abuja on Thursday, assuring Nigerians that he would reclaim his stolen mandate.
Obi said that the election of last Saturday fell below standard and lowered the country’s democratic standards, pointing out that the process by which somebody comes to the office is far more important than what he does thereafter. “If we want to answer his excellency, the process that brings us to office must be excellent”
According to the LP Presidential candidate, the election of last Saturday was conducted and the results were released as 'programmed', making it the most controversial election ever conducted in Nigeria's history.
“The election has been conducted and results announced as programmed. It is a clear deviation from the electoral rules and guidelines as we were promised and did not meet the minimum criteria of a free, transparent, credible, and fair election devoid of voter intimidation and suppression, and late commencement of voting in some specific states.
“This will probably go down as one of the most controversial elections ever conducted in Nigeria. The good and hardworking people of Nigeria have again been robbed by the institutions and leaders whom we trusted.
Obi assured his numerous supporters that this is not the end but rather the beginning of a new Nigeria which he and his Running mate Datti Baba-Ahmad are committed to.
“New Nigeria is possible, Datti and I remain committed to a new Nigeria and with a person like Lady Jennifer, our commitment is total and your support will not be in vain.
He charged Nigerians, especially the youths to come out in the next election on March 11 and vote massively for the Labour Party. “Don’t be downcast and stay away because that is what they want. I am challenging this rascality for your future and our country.
“It’s a long distance journey, no matter how long the night there will be daybreak
We will walk through darkness until day breaks. I will be in front of you until the day comes.
On his hope in the judiciary, Obi said that he has been in court severally and always gotten justice because he always approaches them with genuine cases.
The former Anambra state Governor appealed to all Nigerians to remain peaceful, and law-abiding and conduct themselves most responsibly. Please be assured that for Datti and I, and indeed for all of us, this is not the end, but the beginning of the journey to birth a New Nigeria.
“Datti Baba-Ahmed and I remain absolutely undaunted and deeply committed to this project of a New Nigeria that will be built on honesty, transparency, fairness, justice, and equity. All of these start with the process -The process through which people are elected to office is as important (if not more important) than what they do thereafter with the office and authority.
The LP standard bearer reiterated and assured the people of Nigeria that “we will follow all available legal and peaceful procedures to reclaim our mandate because we won the election.”
Finally, Obi urged his supporters “to continue with their campaigns and troop out on Saturday, 11th March 2023 to vote massively again for Labour Party-LP (Mama, Papa, and Pikin) in the Governorship and State Assembly Elections. “Please do not despair at a time when we can still achieve massive victories in the forthcoming elections on the 11th of March 2023.
Obi lamented that Nigeria cannot conduct election 63 years after independence.
See below, text of the full speech:
Address to the Nation
Dear Nigerians,
1. On 25th February 2023, Nigerians trooped out en-masse to participate in what was promised and expected to be a free, fair and transparent Presidential and National Assembly elections. But in all things, we are enjoined to give thanks.
2. First to Almighty God for the privilege of making Datti Baba-Ahmed and I, the tools to champion the cause of a New Nigeria that will fundamentally enhance the fortunes of our dear country. Let me also appreciate and thank all Nigerians that participated in our last election, especially those who believed and tirelessly worked for a New Nigeria and voted for us. My profound thanks go to the youths, ‘Obidients’ and support groups for your commitment and resilience for a better Nigeria. You truly showed that you can take back your country!
3. We continue to pray for the repose of the souls of all Nigerians killed during the campaigns and for those that were violently attacked, we pray for their quick recovery. We reiterate our total condemnation of such attacks and continue to demand that security agencies stop further attacks and bring perpetrators to book.
4. The commitment and resilience of Nigerians, even in the face of unwarranted and barbaric attacks is a testimony that a New Nigeria is Indeed POssible. The Lady, Jennifer Efidi who was stabbed but insisted on exercising her right to vote and indeed all Nigerians who voted during the election are the shinning stars leading us to a New Nigeria!
5. The election has been conducted and results announced as programmed. It is a clear deviation from the electoral rules and guidelines as we were promised and did not meet the minimum criteria of a free, transparent, credible and fair election devoid of voter intimidation and suppression, and late commencement of voting in some specific states.
6. This will probably go down as one of the most controversial elections ever conducted in Nigeria. The good and hardworking people of Nigeria have again been robbed by the institutions and leaders whom we trusted.
7. However, let me humbly and most respectfully appeal to all Nigerians to remain peaceful, law-abiding and conduct themselves in a most responsible manner. Please be assured that for Datti and I, and indeed for all of us, this is not the end, but the beginning of the journey to birth a New Nigeria.
8. Datti Baba-Ahmed and I remain absolutely undaunted and deeply committed to this project of a New Nigeria that will be built on honesty, transparency, fairness, justice and equity. All of these starts with the process - The process through which people are elected to office is as important (if not more important) than what they do thereafter with the office and authority.
9. If we seek to be called Your Excellency, then the process through which we are elected should also be excellent or sufficiently credible to generate the required confidence and moral authority to govern and lead. As you all know, the destruction of a society can be a gradual or sudden process through acts such as deliberate refusal to obey the rule of law and via the suppression of the will of the people.
10. Let me reiterate and assure my good people of Nigeria that we will follow all available legal and peaceful procedures to reclaim our mandate.
11. I urge you all to continue with your campaigns and troop out on Saturday 11th March 2023 to vote massively again for Labour Party-LP (Mama, Papa and Pikin) in the Governorship and State Assembly Elections. Please do not despair at a time when we can still achieve massive victories in the forthcoming elections on the 11th March 2023.
Thank you all and God bless The Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Mr Peter Obi
Labour Party Presidential Candidate
.
0 comments:
Post a Comment