An Election Where BAT Lost Lagos, Somebody Would Come Out To Say The Election Was Rigged?-Hon Charles Idahosa
Hon Charles Idahosa, a prominent member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, has expressed disagreement with Cardinal John Onaiyekan, the Archbishop Emeritus of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, over his characterization of the 2023 elections as the worst in Nigeria’s history. Cardinal Onaiyekan had recently stated that while flawed elections have occurred in the past, the flaws in the last elections were unprecedented.
In response to Cardinal Onaiyekan’s remarks, Hon Charles Idahosa argued that the 2023 elections were actually among the best in the country. He pointed to the surprising outcomes and the diverse representation in the National Assembly as evidence of the positive changes brought about by the elections. Notably, at least eight political parties secured seats in both chambers, bringing a new coloration to the composition of the legislative body.
“What he said is very shocking because he doesn’t know anything about the elections, this is one of the best elections in this country ever. I am not in APC, I am a PDP chieftain and you know what we went through, you know. An election where Tinubu lost Lagos, somebody would come out to say that, if anybody is going to rig elections, will he not rig his place? An election where Buhari lost Katsina, 10 sitting governors lost senate seats, that means their states were divided into three and they couldn’t win and somebody would come and say this is the worst election.
Idahosa emphasized the significance of the upsets and the emergence of a more pluralistic political landscape. According to him, these outcomes demonstrate the growing strength and vibrancy of Nigeria’s democracy. He suggested that the 2023 elections marked a departure from previous patterns and highlighted the evolving nature of the country’s political system.
The PDP chieftain’s contrasting perspective challenges Cardinal Onaiyekan’s assertion about the unprecedented flaws in the 2023 elections. While Onaiyekan emphasized the shortcomings, Idahosa focused on the positive aspects and the transformative potential of the electoral process.
This difference in opinion reflects the ongoing debates surrounding the credibility and effectiveness of Nigeria’s electoral system. The 2023 elections served as a catalyst for discussions on electoral reforms and the need for greater transparency and accountability in the democratic process.
SOURCE: SUN NEWSPAPER
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