Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has reiterated calls for far-reaching electoral reforms in Nigeria, following his participation in a peaceful protest at the National Assembly aimed at safeguarding electoral integrity.
In a statement shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday, Obi said he joined citizens on Monday, February 9, to demand urgent reforms that would ensure elections genuinely reflect the will of the Nigerian people.
According to him, the protest centred on what he described as “clear and non-negotiable” demands, including transparent processes for anyone aspiring to hold public office. Obi stressed that candidates seeking titles such as Honourable, Distinguished, or Excellency must emerge through credible elections and meet all constitutional requirements.
He also called for stricter enforcement of eligibility criteria, insisting that aspirants should present verifiable records of their primary, secondary, and tertiary education, as well as meet age and qualification benchmarks.
Beyond eligibility, Obi emphasised the need for issue-based campaigns, public scrutiny, and debates as required by law. He identified real-time electronic transmission of election results as critical to protecting the people’s mandate and eliminating manipulation.
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Dismissing claims that poor network coverage makes electronic transmission impractical, Obi argued that financial institutions already operate securely across the country through digital platforms. “If banking systems function seamlessly nationwide, our electoral system can and should do the same,” he said.
The former Anambra State governor lamented Nigeria’s democratic image, urging the country to move from what he described as continental embarrassment to becoming a model of good governance, beginning with credible elections.
He also appealed to young Nigerians, who he said turned out in large numbers for the protest, to remain peaceful and resolute as the push for reform continues.
“We owe the younger generation a nation built on order, justice, and trust,” Obi said, reaffirming his commitment to what he described as the vision of a “New Nigeria.”