In an interview with ADEBAYO FOLORUNSHO-FRANCIS, Akin Osuntokun, Director-General of the Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign Council, discusses the Labour Party’s post-2023 election strategy.
Osuntokun emphasizes the party’s credibility and anticipates it becoming a refuge for Nigerians frustrated with the current political landscape, particularly the youth. He criticizes the APC, highlighting extravagant spending in the National Assembly amid pressing challenges. Responding to rumors about Peter Obi abandoning Nigeria after a legal battle, Osuntokun dismisses the notion, emphasizing Obi’s lack of desperation for power and his significant achievements.
Addressing concerns about Tinubu pursuing Obi after the Supreme Court verdict, Osuntokun defends Tinubu, describing him as non-vengeful. Regarding allegations of money politics influencing the 2023 elections, Osuntokun acknowledges the concerns raised by supporters and the Obidient movement within the party.
The Director-General of the Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign Council, provides insights into the post-2023 election dynamics and the 171-day legal battle challenging President Bola Tinubu’s victory. Osuntokun criticizes the monetization of politics, emphasizing that it is synonymous with corruption.
He contends that despite INEC’s announced results, Obi convincingly won the majority of votes, attributing the electoral outcome to a heroic effort by mobilized voters. The interview explores concerns about putting trust in INEC, the impact of the BVAS on preventing figure inflation, and manipulations observed in certain states like Rivers.
Osuntokun addresses accusations of low voter turnout, asserting that authentic voters participated, but discrepancies arise due to over-inflated figures in the voters’ register.
He draws parallels with census figures, highlighting a pervasive issue of communities inflating data for various benefits. Regarding the Labour Party’s strategy, Osuntokun admits areas for improvement, particularly in fundraising, where the burden fell disproportionately on Peter Obi. Despite these challenges, he underscores the need for the party to take itself more seriously in the future.”
