Former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has emphasized that credible elections in Nigeria will only be possible when individuals of integrity oversee the process.
Speaking in Abuja at the launch of two books on internal security and election security, authored by former Inspector General of Police Solomon Arase, Obi stated that electoral malpractice persists because some politicians are determined to manipulate the system for their benefit.
“Election security will not be a challenge if we do not have individuals willing to rig elections,” Obi asserted.
He argued that the issue is not with security agencies or electoral officials but with politicians who attempt to compromise the process.
According to him, if leaders uphold fairness, Nigeria will experience better elections, leading to improved governance and reduced insecurity.
“If those in power commit to transparency, electoral fraud will decline, and crime rates will drop,” he added.
Reflecting on his re-election as Anambra State Governor, Obi credited former President Goodluck Jonathan for ensuring a fair contest.
“I told President Jonathan that I wanted only genuine votes. I urged him to ensure that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies conducted a credible election,” he recalled.
He further explained that he personally requested the removal of certain political actors from the state to prevent undue influence.
“When some party officials arrived in Anambra, I contacted the President and requested their departure. Within minutes, he took action, and they left,” Obi said, highlighting Jonathan’s commitment to fairness.
On national security, Obi linked rising criminal activities to corruption among public officials, stressing that proper use of government funds would enable security agencies to function more effectively.
“If public funds are managed responsibly, the police will be better equipped, and tackling crime will become easier,” he stated.
He also commended Solomon Arase for his professionalism and contributions to policing in Nigeria, describing him as a dedicated officer whose work continues to shape discussions on security and electoral integrity.
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