The National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, has called for election results to be finalised at the polling unit level, urging Nigerians to avoid prolonged legal battles that undermine democratic credibility. Speaking on Wednesday during a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM in Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State, Tanko emphasized that electoral outcomes should reflect the true will of voters from the grassroots, not court decisions. He warned that continued dependence on judicial interventions risks eroding public trust in Nigeria’s electoral process.
Tanko, a close aide to former presidential candidate Peter Obi, highlighted the increasing trend of election disputes being resolved in courts rather than at polling stations. He argued that this shift not only delays the democratic process but also creates uncertainty and division among voters. “We don’t want to give any chance for us to end up in court at all,” he stated firmly during the interview. His remarks come amid growing concerns over the transparency and efficiency of Nigeria’s electoral system, especially following recent presidential and gubernatorial elections.
He stressed that elections should be concluded decisively at the polling units, where votes are counted and results declared. “Elections should be done and dusted at the polling units,” Tanko reiterated. He added that the goal should be to establish a clear winner without the need for litigation. “We will not want to give any opportunity for us to go to any court whatsoever,” he said, underscoring the movement’s commitment to peaceful and swift electoral outcomes.
Tanko’s comments reflect a broader call for electoral reforms that enhance transparency, accountability, and public confidence in Nigeria’s democracy. He believes that when results are accurately recorded and verified at the polling unit level, the need for legal challenges diminishes significantly. This, he argues, would allow the nation to focus on governance and development rather than protracted legal wrangling.
The Obidient Movement, which emerged in support of Peter Obi’s 2023 presidential campaign, has consistently advocated for electoral reforms and greater voter participation. Tanko’s latest statement reinforces the movement’s position that democracy should be about direct representation and not prolonged judicial interventions. His message resonates with many Nigerians who have grown weary of election-related litigation and delays.
As Nigeria prepares for upcoming elections at various levels, Tanko’s call for grassroots-level resolution of electoral matters could influence policy discussions and public expectations. The emphasis on clean, transparent, and timely results at the polling unit level may become a key demand in future electoral reforms. His words signal a push toward a more efficient and credible democratic process in Nigeria.
Leave a Comment