By Milcah Tanimu
Former President’s Remarks on Electoral Challenges
Former President Goodluck Jonathan recently stated that the recent Edo State governorship election demonstrates that technology alone cannot resolve Nigeria’s electoral challenges. In fact, he emphasized the critical need for a shift in mindset among politicians and voters. Consequently, corrupt attitudes continue to undermine the political landscape.
Call for Change in Political Culture
Speaking in Abuja at a program organized by the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), Jonathan argued that human behavior is crucial for ensuring electoral integrity. Furthermore, he lamented the pervasive “dirty attitude” in Nigerian politics. Therefore, he urged citizens to adopt a culture of peace and responsibility moving forward.
Warnings from Political Figures
In a similar vein, Uche Secondus, former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), echoed Jonathan’s sentiments. He warned that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has effectively undermined Nigeria’s democracy. As a result, he expressed doubt about the feasibility of future elections and criticized the electoral process as fraudulent. Moreover, he pointed out INEC’s lack of remorse regarding these issues.
APC Defends Election Results
In contrast, the APC responded by accusing Yiaga Africa, an election monitoring group, of overstepping its mandate. Specifically, they claimed that Yiaga Africa unjustly questioned the legitimacy of the election results. National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka emphasized that INEC is the sole authority for declaring election results. Thus, he dismissed Yiaga Africa’s claims as unfounded and misleading.
Political Future of Edo State Governor
Meanwhile, Senator Adams Oshiomhole commented on the fate of outgoing Governor Godwin Obaseki. He declared that, following the election defeat, Obaseki is politically dead. Additionally, he criticized Obaseki’s actions during the election process, noting that effective communication with the electorate is essential for success.
US Calls for Calm and Support for Electoral Processes
Finally, the United States Mission in Nigeria urged all stakeholders, including INEC, to uphold the electoral process. They emphasized the importance of maintaining public confidence in democracy during challenging times. Ambassador Richard Mills Jr. praised the peaceful conduct of the election. He further encouraged Edo State citizens to remain calm amid this political tension.
