The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, has described Nigerians who “trooped out en masse” during the Presidential and National Assembly elections last Saturday as the “shining stars leading to a New Nigeria.”
Obi noted that the commitment and resilience of Nigerians, even in the face of “unwarranted and barbaric attacks” is a testimony that a New Nigeria is “indeed POssible.”
The former Anambra governor stated these during a world press conference he addressed in reaction to Saturday’s presidential poll.
He pointed out that the press conference was to also notify the people that he was speaking for the first time since after the election.
He noted that last Saturday’s election would go down as “one of the most controversial elections ever conducted in Nigeria,” adding that the good and hardworking people of Nigeria had again been “robbed by the institutions and leaders whom they trusted.”
He said, “Let me also appreciate and thank all Nigerians that participated in our last election, especially those who believed and tirelessly worked for a New Nigeria and voted for us. My profound thanks go to the youths, ‘Obidients’ and support groups for your commitment and resilience for a better Nigeria. You truly showed that you can take back your country!
“The lady, Jennifer Efidi, who was stabbed but insisted on exercising her right to vote and indeed all Nigerians who voted during the election are the shining stars leading us to a New Nigeria!
“The election has been conducted and results announced as programmed. It is a clear deviation from the electoral rules and guidelines as we were promised and did not meet the minimum criteria of a free, transparent, credible and fair election devoid of voter intimidation and suppression, and late commencement of voting in some specific states.”
Below are seven takeaways from Peter Obi’s speech:
1. We won the election and we will prove it.
2. You can’t build peace on a faulty foundation.
3. I am not going away, I will be with you till the day breaks.
4. I am challenging the process and I have not called anybody.
5. They will be here, the corrupt structure, on the daybreak.
6. If you want to be called your excellency, you will, first of all, go through an excellent process.
7. This is a long journey, but I will go with you and victory is assured.
