Aisha Yesufu's Criticism of Obaseki Misguided, As APC Exploits Power to Undermine Democracy
By Wisdom Tide
September 23, 2024
In a recent turn of events following the Edo State gubernatorial election, socio-political activist Aisha Yesufu launched a scathing critique of Governor Godwin Obaseki, urging him to cease complaining about the election results. Yesufu's criticisms, however, seem misplaced, especially when considering the broader picture of how the All Progressives Congress (APC) has systematically weaponized the federal government's security apparatus and manipulated the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to tilt the election in their favor.
The September 21, 2024, gubernatorial election in Edo State saw the APC’s Monday Okpebholo declared the winner by INEC, securing 291,667 votes over the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Asue Ighodalo, who garnered 247,274 votes. However, Obaseki, along with many political observers, has raised questions regarding the fairness of the electoral process, pointing to the undue influence exerted by APC and federal forces. Yet, instead of addressing these valid concerns, Yesufu chose to mock Obaseki, dismissing his grievances as baseless complaints.
The Role of APC and Federal Power
Yesufu's criticism of Obaseki seems to overlook a glaring issue: the growing authoritarian tendencies of the APC, particularly in its use of federal might to secure electoral victories. There is ample evidence suggesting that the APC has resorted to anti-democratic tactics, including leveraging security agencies to intimidate voters and opponents, manipulating INEC's machinery, and engaging in voter suppression. These tactics raise serious concerns about the legitimacy of Okpebholo’s victory and the broader health of Nigeria's democracy.
Yesufu’s suggestion that Obaseki has no right to criticize the election due to his past actions misses the larger point—that the electoral process itself may have been compromised. By urging Obaseki to “move on” without addressing the core issues of electoral integrity, Yesufu seems to be inadvertently endorsing a system in which the APC can use its federal connections to undermine the democratic process.
APC's Abuse of Security Apparatus
One of the most troubling aspects of the Edo election was the blatant abuse of security agencies to sway the electoral outcome in favor of the APC. Governor Obaseki’s attempt to observe the collation process was thwarted by a forceful ejection from the premises, led by Deputy Inspector General Frank Mbah. The presence of high-ranking federal officers to manage a local election suggests an alarming centralization of power that is being used to coerce opposition figures and influence outcomes.
This scenario is not unique to Edo. Across various states, the APC has employed similar tactics, relying on federal might to intimidate political opponents, obstruct campaign efforts, and manipulate the voting process. The undermining of democratic norms by using security agencies for partisan ends is a clear indication that APC has evolved into a party driven by tyranny and despotism.
INEC’s Complicity in APC's Election Manipulation
Another critical issue is the role of INEC in allegedly facilitating APC's electoral malpractices. While INEC is supposed to be an independent body, its conduct during the Edo election has raised suspicions about its impartiality. From delayed announcements to discrepancies in vote tallies, there is a growing belief that INEC has been co-opted by the ruling party, resulting in manipulated outcomes that favor APC candidates.
INEC’s declaration of Monday Okpebholo as the winner, despite mounting concerns about the transparency of the process, has left many questioning the commission’s integrity. Obaseki's dissatisfaction with the election results, therefore, is not just a personal grievance; it reflects a broader frustration with an electoral system that seems increasingly rigged in favor of the ruling party.
Yesufu’s Criticism and the Hypocrisy of Selective Accountability
Aisha Yesufu’s attacks on Obaseki for his alleged undemocratic practices while in office do little to address the structural problems currently plaguing Nigeria's democratic institutions. While Obaseki’s refusal to swear in 14 members of the Edo State House of Assembly and the impeachment of his deputy may indeed raise questions about his adherence to democratic norms, it does not absolve the APC of its far more systemic violations of democratic principles.
Moreover, it is worth noting that Yesufu's focus on Obaseki’s past actions, rather than the broader context of electoral manipulation by APC, diverts attention from the real issue at hand—the gradual erosion of democracy in Nigeria under the current federal administration. Yesufu's failure to address APC's despotic behavior suggests a selective application of accountability, one that seems to let the ruling party off the hook for its blatant misuse of power.
The Need for Electoral Reforms and Accountability
Instead of dismissing Obaseki’s concerns, the focus should be on addressing the real problems that plague Nigeria's electoral system. The Edo governorship election is yet another reminder that without genuine reforms, the country risks further descent into authoritarianism. APC's growing reliance on federal security forces and INEC’s questionable practices undermine the credibility of elections and erode public trust in democratic institutions.
Critics like Yesufu should focus on calling out these systemic issues rather than singling out individual figures like Obaseki for criticism. The real challenge lies in ensuring that elections in Nigeria are free, fair, and transparent, with all parties abiding by the rules. Allowing the APC to continue exploiting federal resources and institutions for partisan gains will only deepen the country's democratic crisis.
Conclusion:
Holding APC Accountable
While Aisha Yesufu’s criticisms of Governor Obaseki may resonate with some, they fail to address the core issue of APC's increasingly authoritarian behavior. The manipulation of security forces and INEC to influence elections undermines the very fabric of Nigeria's democracy. It is the APC, not Obaseki, that should be held accountable for the growing despotism in the political landscape.
As the country looks ahead, it is imperative that citizens and activists alike focus on ensuring electoral integrity and holding the ruling party accountable for its actions. Only by doing so can Nigeria hope to preserve the democratic values that are essential for its progress
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