ABUJA / ABEOKUTA — Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has issued a scathing assessment of the 2023 presidential election, describing the exercise as a national disgrace and reiterating his stance that Labour Party candidate Peter Obi was the actual winner of the poll.

Speaking on the state of the nation, the elder statesman stated that at his age, he could no longer remain silent while the true outcome of the election continues to be distorted in official narratives.

“I’m Too Old to Remain Silent”

The former president, who endorsed Peter Obi prior to the 2023 general elections, delivered a direct indictment of the electoral process and the ruling establishment:

“The 2023 general election was a national disgrace. I’m too old to remain silent. Nigerians know Peter Obi won the last election.”

— Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Former President of Nigeria

Key Points from Obasanjo’s Statement

• Indictment of the 2023 Polls: Obasanjo characterized the conduct of the 2023 presidential election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as a major setback for democratic governance in Nigeria.
• Reaffirmation of Obi’s Mandate: The former head of state insisted that popular sentiment and public record reflect that Peter Obi won the majority of legitimate votes cast during the election.
• Refusal to Stay Mute: Citing his age and historical responsibility to the nation, Obasanjo stated that senior statesmen must speak truth to power regarding electoral integrity.

Statement Summary

  SPEAKER:             Chief Olusegun Obasanjo (Former President of Nigeria)
  SUBJECT:             2023 Presidential Election Outcome & Electoral Integrity
  CORE DECLARATION:    2023 election was a "national disgrace"; asserts Peter Obi won the poll
  IMPACT:              Re-ignites national debate over 2023 poll credibility & 2027 opposition strategy

Re-igniting the Electoral Controversy

Obasanjo’s public comments have re-ignited national debate over the credibility of the 2023 election results declared by INEC, which named Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as president.

While APC loyalists continue to dismiss Obasanjo’s interventions as partisan commentary, opposition groups and “Obidient” supporters have hailed the elder statesman’s declaration as a validation of their ongoing calls for comprehensive electoral reforms ahead of the 2027 polls.