Peter Obi: If They Steal Your Mandate Once, Shame On Them; if Again, Shame On You — Peter Akah

In a recent interview on Symfoni TV, a human rights activist, Peter Akah, issued a pointed warning to former Anambra State governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, urging him and his supporters to take a firmer stand in defence of their electoral mandate. Akah spoke against the backdrop of lingering controversies from the 2023 presidential election and growing concerns about preparations for future polls.

According to Akah, “If they steal your mandate once, shame on them; if again, shame on you”, a statement he said was meant to underscore the responsibility of political leaders and citizens to resist electoral malpractice. He argued that repeated incidents of disputed elections reflect not only institutional failure but also the reluctance of political actors to decisively confront injustice.

The activist maintained that the events of 2023 exposed serious weaknesses in Nigeria’s electoral system, particularly the failure to enforce real-time electronic transmission of results. He said opposition candidates who believe they were wronged owe it to their supporters to pursue accountability beyond rhetoric, warning that silence or half measures only embolden those who benefit from flawed processes.

Akah further stressed that millions of Nigerians who voted for change feel increasingly disillusioned, especially when political leaders appear willing to move on without resolving fundamental questions about the integrity of the vote. He noted that defending a stolen mandate is not a personal battle but a collective duty tied to the future of democracy.

The human rights activist concluded by calling on opposition leaders, civil society groups, and voters to remain vigilant ahead of future elections. He warned that failing to confront electoral injustice decisively could normalize manipulation, leaving Nigerians trapped in a cycle where their votes no longer carry real power.

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