In a recent interview on Symfoni TV, a human rights activist, Peter Akah, offered a critical analysis of the 2023 presidential election, highlighting the strength of the opposition and the narrow margins by which the ruling party maintained power. Akah argued that, collectively, opposition votes demonstrated a clear mandate for change that has been largely overlooked in public discourse.
According to Akah, “If you add the votes of Obi, Atiku, and Kwankwaso together, the people who voted against Tinubu are more.” He explained that while Tinubu won the presidency, the combined votes for major opposition candidates – Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, and Rabiu Kwankwaso – outnumbered those cast for the ruling candidate, signalling widespread desire for an alternative government.
The activist criticised the ruling party for allegedly using institutional influence and loopholes to consolidate power, despite the apparent majority of Nigerians expressing preference for other candidates. He linked these concerns to ongoing debates over electoral reforms, particularly the refusal to make real-time electronic transmission of results mandatory, which he said opens the door for manipulation and undermines the expressed will of the people.
Akah further warned that ignoring the collective opposition vote risks eroding trust in the electoral process and deepening political disillusionment among citizens. He stressed that acknowledging and respecting voters’ choices is essential for maintaining the legitimacy of Nigeria’s democracy.
The human rights activist concluded by urging political leaders and citizens alike to prioritise transparency and accountability in upcoming elections. He argued that failure to address systemic electoral weaknesses could perpetuate the dominance of a ruling party that has already faced significant opposition at the ballot box.
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