*A new Nigeria is still possible.
Peter Obi, Labour Party presidential candidate; Image: Vanguard.
Labour Party Presidential candidate in the February 25th, Presidential elections, Mr. Peter Obi, has called on the Independent Electoral Commission, INEC not to stand in the way of Nigerians who are very desirous to build a new country.
Obi said millions of Nigerians from across the country voted resolutely on the February 25, 2023, presidential election to take back their country and should not be frustrated in that quest by the election umpire.
He maintained that suppressing citizens' will and manipulating the rule of law would only serve to worsen Nigeria's current sad situation.
In a letter to Nigerians, Peter Obi said it is possible to achieve the new Nigeria that many yearn for.
The letter said in part, “On 25th of February 2023, millions of Nigerians from all walks of life, across generations and backgrounds, from Borno to Lagos, Port Harcourt to Sokoto, Kano to Enugu, Taraba to Ondo voted strongly and resolutely to take back their country.
“They voted for Labour Party; they voted for a New Nigeria! I most sincerely continue to thank all Nigerians for their genuine belief and commitment that a New Nigeria is possible through us. And indeed, it is possible and has started!
“During the campaigns, we traveled across this, our most blessed and beautiful country Nigeria. We interacted, listened, and learned from you and were most humbled by the millions of young Nigerians who passionately invested their resources, time, and lives to our call and demand for a Nigeria that works for all.
“We met very genuine and patriotic Nigerians who eagerly volunteered and gave whatever they could for a New Nigeria. Their genuine and emotional commitments were not based on religion, tribe, gender, class, or any of the sentiments that divide us.
“ It was based on the honest desire and belief for a New Nigeria where the freedoms and potentials of our greatly endowed country and her youths will be supported to create an inclusive, sustainable, growing, and progressive Nation.
“With increasing poverty, insecurity, corruption, unemployment, and failing educational and health systems, the general state of our dear country and economy is troubling. What INEC did with the WILL OF NIGERIANS on the 25th of February is even far more troubling.
“It will only serve to exacerbate our sad situation, the frustration of the people, and the deterioration of the country. As we are directed to go to court, we call on INEC to provide all the required materials and access to our legal and technical teams to do their job.
“INEC should not be a hindrance to the efforts to get justice for a New Nigeria!
"History has taught us that the destruction of a society can be gradual or sudden through deliberate manipulation of the rule of law and suppression of the will of the people.
Obi urged Nigerians not to be discouraged by detractors who are making efforts to stop the progress toward a better future as that could only be delayed but never denied.
“However, rather than dampen our spirit, we are doubly inspired by the creativity, passion, patriotism, and relentless optimism of Nigerians, particularly our youths on the need and urgency of a New Nigeria. It is a demand that the time has come.
“While we are all aware and can see the deliberate and unpatriotic efforts to stop our march to freedom, please be assured that while we can be delayed, a New Nigeria Will Never be Denied!”
He praised the resilience of young Nigerians who defied many obstacles to cast their votes during the election.
“I particularly salute young Nigerians who braved the challenges, withstood all kinds of difficulties and other contrived obstacles to cast their votes and make their voices heard.
“ It was very loud and clear to Nigeria and the Global Community! Through your dynamism, creativity, optimism, and passion for a New Nigeria, we derive our inspiration.
“For instance, undaunted amidst all odds, Yusuf Alabi stood in front of my moving car with his two hands fully stretched! I was tired that day but in him, I was re-energized.
“As he gazed at me, I saw hope, determination, love, and passion. My belief in the need and urgency of a New Nigeria was strengthened. Please note that he didn’t stand so radically and boldly because I am his uncle, an Ibo Man, or a Christian!
“ He stood because, in us, he is convinced and believes that a New Nigeria that will better his life is Indeed Possible! His desire which represents the appeal and prayer of the majority of Nigerians must be achieved and sustained.
“He, like many other Nigerians, defied all odds and demonstrated to those that said we had no structure, that our unity of purpose, courage, love, commitment, and resilience are the ingredients for the most powerful structure in our country.
“I am especially gratified by the fact that many of you were voting for the first time, and you have demonstrated without question your capacity to shape your country and its destiny.
“I salute your courage, resilience, and resolve. All of us including many local and international observers lamented the poor conduct of the Presidential Election on the 25th of February.
“It is very obvious that it was deliberately conducted in gross deviation of the agreed rules and regulations. Expectedly, the results were most condemnably manipulated to suppress and subvert the will of the people.
“It is being generous to say that the elections fell far short of minimum acceptable standards of procedural integrity and democratic practice.
“Let me reiterate that our team is taking up all these issues through all available legal and peaceful channels and I continue to urge all of you to remain peaceful and law-abiding.
“Despite these setbacks, we are undaunted and remain resolutely committed to the fight for a New Nigeria as it is an idea whose time has come. Datti Baba-Ahmed and I, therefore, implore you, my dear brothers and sisters, that to birth a New Nigeria is possible.”
Politics and Opinion.
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