Former presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi has strongly condemned the tear-gassing of peaceful demonstrators, describing the incident as further evidence of Nigeria’s declining democratic standards.
In a statement shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Obi lamented what he called the country’s growing reputation as a “now disgraced nation”.
He made the remarks following reports that citizens advocating for electoral transparency were dispersed with tear gas.
Allegations of Suppression of Peaceful Protest
Obi stated that the protesters were merely exercising their constitutionally guaranteed rights by peacefully demanding free, fair, and credible elections.
According to him, the use of force against such demonstrators reflects a troubling contradiction by political actors who once presented themselves as defenders of democracy.
Obi wrote:
“Again we are showing the world, why we are “Now Disgraced Nation”
“Today, in our beloved country Nigeria, harmless citizens performing their constitutionally guaranteed duties peacefully were tear-gassed simply for asking for what is right: free, fair, and credible elections in a democratic nation.
“Those who yesterday claimed to be champions of democracy, have today become destroyers of our democracy and the worst enemies of good governance.”
He argued that suppressing civic expression undermines public trust in democratic institutions and weakens Nigeria’s global image.
Call for Nationwide Resistance
The former Anambra State governor called on Nigerians to stand united in defending democratic principles.
He urged citizens to resist what he described as attempts to erode the nation’s democratic foundations.
Obi emphasized that safeguarding the country’s future requires collective action aimed at strengthening electoral integrity and promoting accountability.
Demand for Real-Time Electronic Transmission
Central to Obi’s statement was his insistence on mandatory real-time electronic transmission of polling unit results.
He maintained that real-time upload of results would enhance transparency, reduce manipulation during collation, and restore public confidence in the electoral process.
“We insist that there must be real-time mandatory electronic transmission of polling unit results to ensure transparency and trust in our elections,” he stated.
The demand comes amid ongoing national conversations about electoral reforms and the legal framework guiding result transmission.
Broader Democratic Concerns
Obi framed the issue as part of a wider struggle for justice, good governance, and institutional credibility.
He stressed that free and credible elections remain the cornerstone of any functional democracy.
Concluding his message on a note of optimism, he reiterated his familiar slogan: “A New Nigeria is Possible.”
The statement has sparked renewed debate across political and civic spaces about electoral reforms, the right to peaceful protest, and the direction of Nigeria’s democratic development.
