The Northern Awareness Network has rebuked the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, for his remarks on the recent South African election.
Obi had highlighted the disparities in transparency between Nigeria and South Africa’s electoral processes, but the northern group has dismissed his comparison as misleading and ridiculous.
According to the group’s chairman, Salihu Suleiman, South Africa has a long history of democracy, having undergone significant political reforms over several decades.
In contrast, Nigeria only transitioned to democracy in 1999 after years of military rule.
Suleiman argued that Obi’s attempt to compare the electoral experiences of both countries demonstrates a lack of understanding of their respective political landscapes.
The group’s statement criticized Obi’s comments as unrealistic and divisive, urging him to focus on Nigeria’s unique political challenges rather than making unfounded comparisons.
The Northern Awareness Network’s response highlights the ongoing debate about Nigeria’s electoral processes and the need for constructive dialogue around democratic development.
“The two countries are at different stages of democratic development, and it would be more prudent to focus on addressing the specific challenges facing the Nigerian electoral system rather than drawing unwarranted comparisons,” he said.
The group added that Nigeria’s electoral system is still in its infancy and comparing it to South Africa’s more mature democracy is inaccurate and unfair to the Nigerian people, who have been working diligently to build a functioning democracy, according to Politics Nigeria.
Obi has been urged to focus on addressing the specific challenges facing the Nigerian electoral system rather than drawing unwarranted comparisons.
