By Divine Ihechimerem
Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has insisted that unless there is a free and fair election, there will be no new Nigeria.
He made the call in Benin Edo State on Thursday, at the 2024 Democracy Day Dialogue, organized by The Goodluck Jonathan Foundation
The event saw the attendance of former Nigerian President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, his wife Patience Jonathan, and a host of other prominent leaders from Africa and beyond.
Obi expressed appreciation for President Jonathan’s pivotal role in strengthening Nigeria’s democratic framework.
He highlighted Jonathan’s commendable conduct during his presidency, particularly his decision to facilitate a free, fair, and credible election, even at the cost of his own political career. This act, according to Obi, laid a crucial foundation for the peace, progress, and future of Nigeria.
“Conducting a free and fair election is the cornerstone of democracy and the building of a new Nigeria,” Obi stated. He also lauded Jonathan for his substantial contributions to the nation’s education sector, emphasizing that education remains the bedrock of national development.
However, Obi also underscored the pressing challenges Nigeria faces in human development. With a human capital score of 0.36, Nigeria ranks 168th out of 174 countries on the human capital index. This low ranking is attributed to deficiencies in education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation, factors that have exacerbated the country’s socio-economic problems.
“The crises we face today, especially among the youth, stem from our failure to invest adequately in education and poverty reduction,” Obi remarked. He called for urgent investments in education and poverty alleviation to mitigate ongoing crises and improve national security.
The Democracy Day Dialogue was graced by numerous dignitaries, including the host Governor Godwin Obaseki and his wife Betsy Obaseki; former President of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta; former President of Benin Republic, Thomas Boni Yayi; former Vice President of Zambia, Dr. Nevers Mumba; and former Vice President of Nigeria, Namadi Sambo.
The gathering not only celebrated democratic achievements but also served as a platform to address critical issues affecting Nigeria and explore pathways to sustainable development and peace.