According to a statement issued by the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the Nigerian Federal Government has urged former President Olusegun Obasanjo not to disrupt the 2023 General Elections with his supposed inciting and provocative letter on the elections.
The Minister claimed that Obasanjo’s appeal for caution and rectification is a deliberate attempt to undermine the electoral process and encourage violence.
The Minister expressed his surprise that a former President would propagate unverified claims and amplify unfounded allegations picked up from the streets against the electoral process. He also pointed out that Obasanjo organized one of the worst elections during his tenure and, as such, is the least qualified to advise a President who is committed to ensuring free, fair, credible, and transparent elections.
Mohammed added that as the country awaits the results of the national elections, an elder statesman should be expected to use words and actions that ease tension and offer a soothing balm. Instead, he accused Obasanjo of using his unsolicited letter to insinuate an inconclusive election and a descent into anarchy while casting aspersions on electoral officials who are unable to defend themselves.
The Minister also criticized Obasanjo’s attempt to dress his personal choice in the garb of the people’s choice, calling it duplicitous.
The Minister further reminded Obasanjo that organizing elections in Nigeria is no small feat, given the vast number of registered voters in the country and the logistical challenges associated with conducting a nationwide election. He encouraged those seeking to cancel an election and unilaterally fix a date for a new one to exercise restraint and allow the official electoral body to conclude its duty by announcing the results of the 2023 national elections. The Minister also called on those who are aggrieved to follow the stipulated legal process to adjudicate electoral disputes instead of threatening fire and brimstone.
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