Omoyele Sowore, the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), has criticized the outcome of the 2023 general elections that brought Bola Ahmed Tinubu to power as President, stating it did not reflect the will of Nigerians.
Sowore expressed his views during an interview with VOP TV on YouTube, where he addressed various political issues, including the alleged threats made by Felix Morka, the publicity secretary of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), against Peter Obi, the former Labour Party presidential candidate.
Peter Obi had earlier criticized the worsening state of Nigeria’s political, economic, security, and healthcare systems, describing the Tinubu administration’s claims of progress as detached from reality. In response, Morka, during an interview, remarked, “Peter Obi has crossed the line so many times and has it coming to him whatever he gets.”
Reacting to the issue, Sowore noted that Nigerian leaders often attack critics because their mandates lack legitimacy. He emphasized that Tinubu’s presidency was not a product of free and fair elections but rather the result of selection by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“Tinubu wasn’t elected by the Nigerian people; he was selected by INEC. It was a process of votes allocation, and everyone understood that,” Sowore stated. “When leaders know they lack legitimacy, they become defensive and attack critics.”
Sowore argued that true leadership is marked by legitimacy and a focus on serving the people. He questioned why any legitimate leader would fear criticism from the populace.
“Legitimate leaders who are working for their people wouldn’t worry about criticism. But when leaders come to power through compromised processes, they have nothing to offer except insults. That’s why you see a president more focused on hiring people skilled in insults rather than problem solvers,” he added.
Sowore’s remarks highlight ongoing debates about the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process and the need for accountable leadership.
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Chronicles Reporters