Prof. Wole Soyinka, the renowned Nobel laureate, has emphatically rejected the assertion that Peter Obi of the Labour Party emerged victorious in the 2023 presidential election in Nigeria.
Soyinka Reflects on Political Activism and Evolution of Ideals at ‘Africa in the World’ Event
Soyinka made this declaration during his guest appearance as a speaker at the 2023 ‘Africa in the World’ event, an annual festival that convenes the globe’s most innovative thinkers and influential leaders to discuss invigorating ideas for fresh changes and sustainable solutions for the African populace.
The discussion took an intriguing turn when the moderator, Okechukwu “Okey” Ndibe, a celebrated novelist and political columnist, probed Prof. Wole Soyinka about his apparent change in stance. Ndibe referred to an incident from October 1965 when a 31-year-old Soyinka, then a lecturer at the University of Lagos, stormed the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation in Ibadan to halt the broadcast of Chief Ladoke Akintola’s address, a move believed to prevent the announcement following a contested election.
Prof. Wole Soyinka Addresses His Political Choices of 2023 Presidential Election
Ndibe questioned why the same Prof. Wole Soyinka, who had demonstrated such fervor in the past, did not support Peter Obi and the Labour Party, who claimed victory in the 2023 presidential election. The election ultimately declared Bola Tinubu of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner, according to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Obi, representing the Labour Party (LP), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as its candidate in the election, and the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) all contested Tinubu’s victory at the Presidential Election Petition Court, but their petitions were dismissed by the tribunal for being unmeritorious.
Soyinka on Consistency, Truth, and the 2023 Presidential Election
In response to Ndibe’s inquiry about his change in position, Prof. Wole Soyinka quipped, “Oh, consistency!” He went on to emphasize his commitment to truth and the importance of thorough research. Soyinka reflected on his involvement in the 1965 election and the subsequent events, stating that he had reliable information at the time to challenge the election’s validity.
However, regarding the 2023 election, Soyinka asserted that his commitment to truth had not wavered. He explained that a monitoring unit had observed the election, enabling him to categorically state that Peter Obi’s party had secured the third position, not even the second.
“They Were Prepared to use “Gbajue” both “Force of Arms” and “Force of Lies.”
Prof. Wole Soyinka criticized the leadership of the Labour Party’s attempts to manipulate the situation by resorting to falsehoods, suggesting they were prepared to use “Gbajue” both “force of arms” and “force of lies.” He expressed his willingness to join demonstrations but only if they were based on truth, not deceit.
Recalling past incidents, Soyinka lamented the violence that erupted in 2011 after Goodluck Jonathan’s victory, citing Muhammadu Buhari’s inciting statements that led to the tragic deaths of youth corps members. Soyinka had played a role in rescuing and aiding the brutalized youths.
He further denounced the actions of the political party in the 2023 election, asserting that their tactics, intimidation, and threats did not bode well for the nation’s future.
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