Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, shared his thoughts on the recognition of past electoral winners, calling for honesty and reflection in Nigeria’s political history.
He made this statement during his attendance at the launch of President Ibrahim Babangida’s autobiography, A Journey in Service, held at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja.
During the event, Babangida expressed regret over the political accident of history, referring to the controversial annulment of the June 12, 1993 elections, in which the late Chief MKO Abiola was declared the winner. Babangida admitted that this was a mistake that still lingers in Nigeria’s democratic narrative.
Peter Obi reflected on the significant contributions IBB made during his tenure, particularly in supporting the private sector and fostering economic growth. Under IBB’s leadership, Nigeria saw notable advances, especially in the financial sector, laying a foundation for national cohesion and economic development. Obi praised IBB for documenting his experiences, noting that such insights provide valuable lessons for the nation’s future.
A key moment during the event was the keynote speaker’s memorable French quote, “Rien n’a changé,” meaning “Nothing much has changed.” Obi highlighted how, when compared to countries like Bangladesh, India, Vietnam, and Ghana, Nigeria has stagnated in human development since IBB’s departure from office in 1992. While those nations have made strides, Nigeria remains stuck in the low Human Development Index (HDI) category.
Obi also pointed out that Ghana has maintained true democratic practices for the past 30 years, with peaceful transitions of power reflecting the will of the people. In contrast, Nigeria’s electoral process has often fallen short of that ideal.
The most profound moment of the day was IBB’s acknowledgment that MKO Abiola was the rightful winner of the 1993 elections. This admission marks a crucial step towards national healing, unity, and progress. Obi hopes that, in time, other key figures in Nigeria’s democracy will find the courage to recognize the true winners of past elections, ensuring that Nigeria’s political history is told with honesty and integrity.
“A New Nigeria is POssible,” Obi concluded, emphasizing hope for the nation’s future.
