Dr. Jonathan Asake, former President of the Southern Kaduna Peoples’ Union (SOKAPU), has made a bold statement about the 2023 presidential election, claiming that Labour Party (LP) candidate Peter Obi was the rightful winner, but was deliberately denied victory by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In an interview with The Sun, Dr. Asake declared, “I’m not afraid to say it, Peter Obi won that election, but was denied.
Nigerians overwhelmingly supported Peter Obi, a leader with a clear vision for Nigeria's future. INEC intentionally deprived him of his victory, undermining the will of the people.”
Dr. Asake, who ran for governor in Kaduna State under the Labour Party in 2023, also criticized the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
He dismissed the claims of progress from savings due to subsidy removal as “insincere” and pointed out that the government had failed to address critical issues such as inflation, security, and Nigeria’s reliance on imports.
“Unless Nigeria shifts to becoming a producer, it won’t progress. Relying on imports and consumption without producing for export will get us nowhere,” he cautioned.
He also commented on the resistance to tax reforms in northern Nigeria, calling it “laziness,” and advised the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to consider a South Eastern candidate for the 2027 election to increase their chances of regaining power.
Dr. Asake’s statements have reignited debates surrounding the legitimacy of the 2023 elections and the economic direction of the country, sparking mixed reactions across political and economic circles.