The National Coordinator of the Obidients Movement, Dr Yunusa Tanko has slammed the malpractices that characterized the just concluded Edo State Governorship election describing it as deeply troubling.

Dr Tanko in a statement issued in Abuja stressed that the outcome of the election has revealed a disconcerting occurrence that did not not reflect the true wishes of the people.

Those with a conscience must stand firm against the individuals and agencies abusing their positions to weaken our democratic institutions. Edo State election is a clear signal that electoral reforms are urgently needed, and we must prioritize the protection of our democratic processes.

It is time to collectively push for a true independent electoral commission, transparent campaign financing, voter education and empowerment.

It is time to ensure that individuals and organizations are made to be strictly held accountable for electoral misconducts and Offences as a way of safeguarding our democracy.

As Obidients, we urge Nigerians irrespective of party affiliations to come together and defend our democracy from this type of brigandage for the future of our nation to ensure that power stays in the hands of the people, not in the grasp of a select few.

Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi has described the results of the just concluded Edo State elections as a case of “state capture.”

Recall the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced that Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) won the election, with Asue Ighodalo in second place and Olumide Akpata from the Labour Party finishing third.

In a tweet on Monday afternoon, Obi criticized the electoral process, saying that the elections in Edo do not reflect a genuine democratic system.

He disclosed that politics should focus on serving the nation rather than merely seizing power.

Obi pointed out that the flawed leadership recruitment process in the country is leading to dire consequences, urging those in authority to rectify the situation rather than rely on it to maintain their positions.

He disclosed the significant investments made in the INEC’s IReV and BVAS systems, stressing that these tools must be properly utilized to combat electoral fraud.

Obi called on agencies and individuals undermining democracy to consider the long-term implications of their actions, warning that society will ultiultimately seek justice for the damage done.

He tweeted:

“What happened over the weekend in the name of election in Edo State does not in any way represent the democratic process we chose as a method of electing our political leadership.

“Instead, it was a blatant example of ‘state capture’ and continued gross undermining of our democratic process and values.

“Any nation whose leadership recruitment process is so fatally flawed is doomed, and we are all seeing the effect in our country.

“I urge those in authority not to allow this situation to stand, or depend on it to remain in power.

“As a country, we have invested significantly in IReV and BVAS, and they must be allowed to function and used properly in order to free our electoral process from the massive falsification that has plagued it and worsening.

“To the agencies and individuals being used to undermine our democracy simply because they hold positions of authority, please remember that your time in office is not eternal. The society that you are helping to destroy today will eventually take her revenge on you tomorrow.

“To the lecturers and others complicit in perpetuating this charade, you must reflect deeply on the roles you are playing in damaging the very foundation of our democracy.

“The damage you are causing today will inevitably take revenge on you tomorrow and affect your children in the future.

“This kind of action has no place in a true democracy. That is why I have always maintained that today’s politics is not about capturing power, but about saving the country and making it work for everyone, regardless of their background.”