The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has labelled the process a “show of shame” marred by fraud allegations, irregularities, and technical glitches.
Obi in a statement posted on his official X handle said Nigeria’s election is in contrast with South Africa’s recent transparent and seamless process.
He said there are stark differences between the two countries’ electoral processes.
Obi lamented Nigeria’s low voter turnout, late starts at polling stations, and lack of diaspora voting, despite significant expenditure.
“With about 60% Voter turnout, over 90% of polling open on time, allowing diaspora voting, the results and updates were real-time without any form of technical glitches during the election,” he said.
He added, “This is in stark contrast, to the show of shame that the giant of Africa, Nigeria, gave the World in 2023. Nigeria’s 2023, with less than 30% of Voter turnout, over 60% of the polling stations starting late, and no diaspora voting, the elections were plagued by allegations of fraud and widespread irregularities, all forms of glitches, despite an enormous expenditure to the tune of about a billion dollars (direct allocation of =N=313 Billion and donor agencies support).”
Obi called for comprehensive electoral reforms to restore faith in Nigeria’s democracy.
The former Anambra State Governor urged Nigeria to learn from South Africa’s example and strive for a better system, stressing that the time for action is now.
