The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has criticised Nigeria’s current electoral framework, calling for immediate and compulsory reforms to the Electoral Act to guarantee transparent elections.
In a post shared on his official X handle on Tuesday, Obi argued that excuses about poor network coverage in parts of the country were no longer tenable in an era where digital systems power critical sectors of the economy.
The former Anambra State governor said anyone seeking public office must emerge through a transparent and credible process, adding that aspirants should present verifiable records of their primary, secondary and tertiary education, alongside meeting constitutional requirements such as age and qualifications.
Referring to his participation in a peaceful protest at the National Assembly on February 9, Obi said the demonstration was aimed at demanding electoral reforms that truly reflect the will of Nigerians.
“Our demands were clear and non-negotiable: no one should aspire to lead without having gone through due process,” he wrote.
Obi stressed that beyond eligibility, candidates must subject themselves to open campaigns, public scrutiny and debates as required by law. He also emphasised the need for real-time electronic transmission of election results to safeguard the people’s mandate and prevent manipulation.
Drawing a comparison with the banking sector, Obi noted that financial institutions operate nationwide through secure digital networks, questioning why the electoral system could not adopt similar efficiency.
“Nigeria must stop being a so-called Giant of Africa that disgraces the continent and instead become a beacon of exemplary governance, beginning with credible elections,” he stated.
He urged Nigerian youths to remain steadfast in their demand for reforms, insisting that the country owed the younger generation a system built on justice, order and trust.
Obi reaffirmed his commitment to the vision of a “New Nigeria,” expressing optimism that meaningful change is achievable through collective action.
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