The Oodua Progressive Care Initiative (OPCI) has condemned in strong terms the recent comment credited to the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general elections, Mr Peter Obi, in which he reportedly disputed the outcomes of the presidential election.
In a statement issued on Saturday in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, the National President of the OPCI, Dr Maruff Olarewaju, said Obi’s statements, comments and actions since the outcome of last year’s presidential election call for concern and investigation.
“Despite taking his grievances to court and failing to secure a favourable ruling, it is worrisome that Mr Obi has persisted in his attempts to discredit the electoral process and undermine the legitimacy of the current government.
“His actions are a clear attempt to distract the government from its mandate to serve the Nigerian people and to perpetuate a divisive and harmful narrative that could threaten the stability of our nation.
“We urge Mr. Obi to accept the outcome of the election and the ruling of the court, and to work towards the betterment of our country, rather than perpetuating a futile and harmful quest for power.
“We stand with the government and the people of Nigeria in rejecting Mr Obi’s continued attempts to sow seeds of discord and chaos, and we call on all Nigerians to join us in promoting peace, unity, and progress.
“It’s not a hidden fact that whoever aspires to lead should not embrace or embark on a destructive journey for the current leaders
“We hereby condemn in the strongest possible terms the harmful and divisive tactics employed by Peter Obi in the political arena.
“Mr Obi’s actions have introduced toxic elements into Nigeria’s political landscape, including:
1. Tribalism: He has successfully sowed seeds of discord among the Eastern, Western, and Northern regions of the country, perpetuating harmful stereotypes and divisions.
2. Religious polarisation: He has created an atmosphere of hostility and mistrust between Christian and Muslim Nigerians.
“Despite contesting under the Labour Party, Mr Obi continues to prioritise his personal interests over the well-being of the nation, using every opportunity to further divide and destabilise the country.
“We urge Mr Obi to cease his harmful antics and work towards uniting Nigerians across regional and religious lines. We also call on all Nigerians to reject his divisive tactics and embrace a spirit of unity and inclusivity.
“Together, let us build a Nigeria that values diversity and promotes the common good for all citizens.”
