The Federal Government has issued a stern warning to former President Olusegun Obasanjo over his recent comment on the ongoing collation of presidential election result.
The FG asked him not to truncate the 2023 general elections with his “inciting, self-serving and provocative” letter on the elections
Recall that Obasanjo had express worry over the conduct of the 2023 presidential election, accusing the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, of having failed the country.
The former President further alleged massive rigging of the election and wondered why the Electoral Act 2022 as amended was trampled upon.
But in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said what the former President cunningly framed as an ‘appeal for caution and rectification’ is nothing but a calculated attempt to undermine the electoral process and a willful incitement to violence.
Meanwhile, speaking with Legit.ng, Dayo Williams, a journalist faulted the former president’s stance. According to him, it is wrong for Obasanjo to call for suspension of the electoral process.
He said:
“Do you want to stop an ongoing electoral process because of allegations that can be and will be resolved via the courts? You are preparing the ground for an interim govt which is antithetical to democracy.
“Elections are based on a timetable. Assuming we stop the elections now to resolve the allegations, when do we kickstart the process and when do we complete it and still keep faith with 29 May which is the exit date for President Buhari?
“Do you want Buhari to stay beyond May or do you want an interim head of govt? How do you appoint one when there is no provision for such in the Constitution? Suspend the constitution and invite military men to take over?
“How do we even appoint an interim head of govt in a highly divisive and polarised country like ours that will be acceptable to all?
“I am just bothered that some folks can’t see through the landmines ahead if we pander to some of these self-serving calls. The puzzle is glaring enough for those who are discerning to see. Emotions will not gather valuable evidence for us o.”
