Edo Governorship Election Reflects My Counsel to Peter Obi, Says Obidigbo
Dr. Chike Obidigbo, President of the Osisioma Foundation, has voiced his disappointment over the mixed responses to the recent Edo State governorship election, asserting that its results resonate with his previous advice to Peter Obi.
As a longtime friend and mentor, Obidigbo has encouraged Obi, the former Labour Party presidential candidate, to shift his focus away from the troubled landscape of Nigerian politics and toward initiatives that prioritize the welfare of youth and his local community.
Obidigbo expressed surprise at critics who condemned Obi for backing Olumide Akpata, who faced allegations of violating the zoning agreement in Edo State. He noted the contradiction in their stance, given Obi’s commitment to democratic principles.
In his statement, Obidigbo lamented that Nigeria’s political system often marginalizes those, like Obi, who strive for integrity. He highlighted the frustration felt by the Igbo community in light of systemic inequalities.
He criticized the lack of unity among Nigerians in recognizing the Southeast’s rightful claim to the presidency, especially after previous patterns that favored other regions.
Obidigbo stated, “The coming election in 2027 must address whether Nigeria can sustain democracy without an Igbo leader at the helm.”
He emphasized that regions like the Northeast, Northwest, and Southwest have had ample leadership opportunities, while the Igbo have been sidelined. He questioned how democracy can flourish in an environment where the rule of law is disregarded and injustice against the Igbo is overlooked.
He called for a reassessment of the Nigerian union, urging Igbo people to confront their marginalization. Obidigbo criticized politicians from the Southeast for failing to advocate for their constituents, instead prioritizing personal gain.
He highlighted the case of Nnamdi Kanu, suggesting that Kanu’s imprisonment for speaking out against injustice illustrates a broader issue of systemic neglect toward the Igbo people.
The outcome of the Edo governorship election, according to Obidigbo, sends a clear message to Obi: Nigeria may not yet be prepared for a politics centered on nation-building. He urged Obi to redirect his considerable energy towards advocating for his community, rather than engaging in a political system rife with corruption and deceit.
Obidigbo observed that the recent election revealed a persistent disconnect among Nigerians regarding critical governance issues, indicating a lack of progress. He noted that each subsequent election appears to unveil deeper conspiracies against Obi and suggests a decline in democratic integrity.
He lamented that Nigeria is becoming a mockery among other African nations, citing electoral irregularities that have become commonplace. He criticized both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for perpetuating a culture of impunity, thereby allowing corruption to thrive unchecked.
Reports from reputable election monitoring organizations have documented serious electoral misconduct in the Edo election, raising concerns about the integrity of the electoral process.
Obidigbo expressed frustration over the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) failure to uphold its responsibilities, allowing political manipulation to flourish. He warned that such behavior sets a poor example for the youth and undermines the very foundation of democracy.
He reiterated his belief that genuine leadership is needed to inspire future generations, urging Obi to reconsider his role in a system that seems resistant to change. Obidigbo concluded that the troubling practices witnessed in the recent election may galvanize Nigerians to assert their rights and demand accountability moving forward.
