Lt. Gen. Alani Akinrinade (retd), a former Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Staff, has criticized former President Olusegun Obasanjo for his call to cancel the recent elections. Akinrinade emphasized that Obasanjo’s statement regarding the recently concluded elections must be condemned by all democracy-loving Nigerians and those who care about the unity of the country. Obasanjo alleged that the results of last Saturday’s presidential election had been “doctored and manipulated.” He urged President Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) to demand a review of the results collation process in a statement released on Monday.
In his response, Akinrinade expressed concern over Obasanjo’s timing, noting that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was still engaged in the conduct and release of the election results. He described Obasanjo’s remarks as both unfortunate and a calculated attempt to undermine the electoral process. Akinrinade pointed out that a former President should not challenge the integrity of a national election without any evidence, especially by calling on a sitting President to intervene inappropriately.
As a General who has fought for Nigeria’s unity and witnessed the evolution of its democracy, Akinrinade believes that the country is currently on the right path. He found it particularly troubling that a former General and President would introduce such divisive rhetoric into Nigeria’s political discourse at a sensitive time. Akinrinade criticized Obasanjo’s intervention as lacking in patriotism and as an unwarranted interference in the constitutional responsibilities of INEC.
He urged President Buhari to disregard Obasanjo’s comments and to continue supporting the lawful institution in its duties, allowing the electoral process to unfold without disruption. Akinrinade expressed confidence that President Buhari would uphold democratic principles and refrain from intervening in a manner that would undermine the ongoing political process.
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