Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has condemned the attack on demonstrators by officers of the Nigeria Police Force.
The former governor of Anambra State described the incident as another setback for Nigeria, saying the country continues to project a negative image internationally, echoing comments earlier attributed to Donald Trump.
The protest followed public opposition to the rejection of electronic transmission of election results at the National Assembly, where police officers dispersed protesters using tear gas.
Reacting to the incident, Obi criticized the police for confronting what he called harmless citizens who were simply demanding free, fair, and credible elections in a democratic society.
He further expressed concern that individuals who once presented themselves as defenders of democracy have now become threats to the nation’s democratic values. Obi described such actors as enemies of good governance and urged citizens to stand against actions capable of undermining the country’s future.
In his appeal, Obi called on Nigerians to unite and resist what he termed harmful plans against the nation, stressing the need to safeguard democratic principles and secure credible elections.
He also insisted on the mandatory real-time electronic transmission of polling unit results to promote transparency and public confidence in elections.
Obi concluded by urging citizens to remain committed to building a better nation founded on justice, good governance, and credible elections.
