“Nigeria must stop being a Giant of Africa that disgraces the continent” – Peter Obi

The 2023 presidential candidate for the Labour Party, Peter Obi has said that Nigeria must take the bull by the horns and take its position as the giant of Africa.

In a post on X on Tuesday, Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, referred to his participation in a protest against the Senate’s rejection of the electronic transmission of election results at the National Assembly on Monday.

He noted that the protesters’ demands were very clear and non-negotiable on the ongoing Electoral Act Amendment debate at the National Assembly.

Obi, in the post titled, “Identifying with the People Peacefully for Electoral Integrity”, said beyond eligibility, candidates vying for elective positions must engage in open campaigns, public scrutiny, and debates as mandated by law.

His words, “Yesterday, February 9th, I participated in a peaceful protest at the National Assembly to demand urgent electoral reforms that truly reflect the will of the Nigerian people.

“Our demands were clear and non-negotiable: anyone seeking to hold titles such as Honourable, Distinguished, or Excellency must emerge through a transparent and honourable process. Aspirants for public office should provide verifiable records of their primary, secondary, and tertiary education, along with fulfilling other constitutional requirements such as age and qualifications. No one should aspire to lead without having gone through due process.

“Beyond eligibility, candidates must engage in open campaigns, public scrutiny, and debates as mandated by law. Most importantly, election results must be transmitted electronically and in real time to protect the people’s mandate and eliminate manipulation,” Obi wrote on X.

Addressing claims that some states lack network and coverage for real-time transmission of results, Obi said such excuses are no longer acceptable.

“Financial institutions operate nationwide through secure digital networks to conduct transactions and collect taxes on a daily basis. If banking systems function seamlessly, our electoral system can and should do the same.

“Nigeria must stop being a so-called Giant of Africa that disgraces the continent and instead become a beacon of exemplary governance, beginning with credible elections.

“We owe the younger generation a nation built on order, justice, and trust—not one mired in chaos and impunity. As the agitation continues, I urge our youth, who turned out in large numbers, to remain steadfast and not relent until the necessary reforms are achieved.

“I remain firmly committed to the vision of a New Nigeria—one that is not only possible, but inevitable if we stand and act together,” Obi added.