In commemoration of June 12 celebration, Peter Obi, the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 General Elections has expressed grave concerns over the state of Nigeria’s democracy.
Obi, who emerged third in the February 25th general elections, emphasized that the destiny of the nation remains uncertain and precarious.
Referring to the significance of June 12 as a historic day when Nigerians demonstrated their unreserved preference for true democracy, Obi highlighted the transparent voting method employed during the 1993 elections, which defied divisions of ethnicity, religion, and region.
He said ”June 12 is marked in our dear country as Democracy Day.
It is a historic day that deserves to be celebrated. On that day in 1993, we the people of Nigeria stated our unreserved preference for true democracy.
Though under military rule,we freely chose a transparent voting method. Our votes reflected our true choice as a people, he added.”
He underscored the qualities that made June 12 special in the nation’s search for true democracy.
However, Obi pointed out that the current state of Nigerian politics tells a different story.
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He lamented that the country’s democracy is deeply troubled, with many unresolved basic problems.
He said “Our democracy is deeply troubled while our nation’s destiny remains uncertain and precarious. We remain a nation in search of solutions to too many basic problems.
One of these is the search for a credible electoral system that would command the trust, confidence and belief of ALL Nigerians just like June 12 did.”
Similarly, Obi called for a return to the true virtues of a democratic nation, urging the establishment of an electoral system that respects the wishes of the people.
He emphasized that government must respect and protect the institutions of the democratic state, meeting the needs of the people and fulfilling the responsibilities of responsible governance as enshrined in the constitution.
Obi stressed the cardinal responsibility of government to uphold the rule of law.
Expressing concern over prevalent impunity, pervasive violence, and bloodshed, Obi highlighted the expanding trust deficit between the leaders and the Nigerian people.
Peter Obi cited the deficits of trust and efficiency evident in recent elections, emphasizing the need to correct these errors to restore the confidence of the people in the future of the nation and the promise of true democracy.
He highlighted the nation’s abundance of human and natural resources and emphasized the need for selfless leaders who are dedicated to the national interest, sustainable development, and innovative thinking that benefits all Nigerians, regardless of their background.
Despite these challenges, Obi stressed that he remaina committed and optimistic, asserting that a New Nigeria is possible.
Obi reassured Nigerians that the Labour Party and the Obidient Movement worldwide remain steadfast in their fight to bring about leadership that prioritizes the aspirations of the people.
