Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the February 2023 election, has responded to the call from US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and President-elect Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.
Recall that Blinken called Tinubu on Wednesday to reiterate his continued commitment to strengthening the US-Nigeria relationship with the incoming administration.
In response, Obi stated that the US response to Nigeria’s affairs should be based on mutual respect, shared ideals, aspirations, and interests that should transcend individual considerations.
According to the former Anambra State Governor, the US should wait for the full resolution of the ongoing judicial processes before tacitly granting legitimacy to any of the contending parties.
Read Also: “You Are Corrupt” – Matawalle fires head of EFCC after been linked to N70bn fraud
“There is still uncertainty about the basis of US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken’s call to APC presidential candidate Bola Ahmed Tinubu on May 16, 2023.” The rule of law is the most fundamental tenet and core value of democracy.
“Nigeria’s democracy is based on these principles that the American people cherish.” The US-Nigeria relationship should be guided by democratic core values, without the risk of interfering in Nigeria’s domestic affairs.
“Above all, Nigerians expect the United States’ responses to our affairs to be based on mutual respect, shared ideals, aspirations, and interests that should transcend individual considerations.”
“In this context, the willful manipulation and falsification of Nigerians’ will as freely expressed during the February 25 elections cannot be overlooked by Nigeria’s true friends and partners.”
“It is thus critical that a beacon of democracy like the United States does not respond to political developments in Nigeria in a way that suggests taking sides.”
Read Also: MUSWEN Applauds Akpabio’s Selection As Senate President
“There is an evolving political and judicial process in Nigeria surrounding the recent presidential election.” We expect the US to wait until the ongoing judicial processes are completed before tacitly granting legitimacy to any of the contending parties.
“Only the relevant courts of law can make the final determination of the true winner of the election.” Furthermore, the issues in dispute imply serious violations of both the Nigerian Electoral Law and the Nigerian Constitution,” he tweeted.
