This appeal follows Obi’s continued criticism of the election results. Recently, he commented on the South African presidential election, comparing it unfavorably with Nigeria’s 2023 elections, which he described as fraught with fraud and widespread irregularities.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In a series of posts on X, Obi stated: “Nigeria’s 2023 election, with less than 30% voter turnout, over 60% of polling stations starting late, and no diaspora voting, was plagued by allegations of fraud and widespread irregularities, all forms of glitches, despite an enormous expenditure to the tune of about a billion dollars.”

However, in a statement issued on Sunday, the coalition’s spokesperson, Dr. Danladi Ceceko, argued that the election results, which declared President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner, genuinely reflected the will of the Nigerian people.

“It is evident for all to see that the 2023 general elections, especially the presidential poll, were among the freest and most transparent in our history. The outcome, upheld by the Supreme Court, is a true representation of the will of Nigerians, and it is time for all participants to accept the results and move forward,” Ceceko stated.

The coalition accused Obi of undermining the country’s institutions, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Supreme Court.

“It is quite unfortunate that Mr. Peter Obi would discredit our institutions like INEC and the Supreme Court, which validated the credible elections conducted by INEC,” Ceceko added.

Ceceko also questioned why politicians, including those critical of INEC, called for local government elections to be handled by INEC instead of State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs), which they argue are often fraught with irregularities.

“Local government elections administered by SIECs are often fraught with irregularities and manipulation, according to these advocates. It is evident that the political elite who frequently malign INEC are often the same ones who oversee the worst elections in the country through the SIECs,” he stated.

The coalition also criticized Obi’s comparison of the Nigerian electoral process to that of South Africa, noting that the South African elections also experienced technical glitches and widespread rejections, with 20 political parties contesting the results.

“We really need Mr. Peter Obi to do his due diligence and research before comparing INEC to other countries’ electoral bodies. The South African election also experienced technical glitches, which were well-documented,” Ceceko said.

The coalition urged Nigerians to respect their institutions and work together to improve the electoral process, rather than disparaging them.

“It is hypocritical of Mr. Peter Obi to claim that the election which brought Governor Alex Otti of Abia was credible and transparent, while asserting that the election he lost was marred by irregularities. It is worth noting that both elections were conducted by the same INEC under the leadership of Prof. Mahmud Yakubu,” the statement read.

Ceceko also reminded Obi that he has previously benefited from the very institutions he now criticizes, citing the Supreme Court’s restoration of his mandate in 2003 and INEC’s conduct of the election securing his second term as Anambra governor.

The coalition concluded by stating that technical glitches during elections are common worldwide and do not necessarily invalidate the results as a reflection of the people’s will.