Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has condemned the use of tear gas on peaceful demonstrators, warning that such actions are deepening concerns about democratic backsliding in Nigeria.
In a strongly worded reaction, Obi said citizens exercising their constitutional rights were dispersed simply for demanding what he described as the foundation of any democracy free, fair, and credible elections.
He lamented that leaders once celebrated as defenders of democratic values now appear to be undermining the very system they vowed to protect, calling the development a troubling signal for governance and public trust.
The former Anambra State governor urged Nigerians to remain united and lawfully resist actions capable of weakening democratic institutions, stressing that the nation’s future depends on transparency and accountability in the electoral process.
Obi reiterated his call for the mandatory real-time electronic transmission of polling unit results, describing it as a critical safeguard to restore confidence in elections and ensure that every vote truly counts.
“We insist that there must be real-time mandatory electronic transmission of polling unit results to ensure transparency and trust in our elections.” Obi added.
He concluded with an appeal for national renewal anchored on justice, credible elections, and responsible leadership, expressing optimism that “a new Nigeria is still possible.”
