Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has once again criticized the state of democracy in Nigeria, claiming that the country does not meet the basic tenets of democratic governance. According to Obi, Nigeria’s government is failing to serve the interests of the people, and its current system is far removed from the core values of democracy.
Obi’s comments, made during an interview with AriseTV, drew attention to what he described as a lack of genuine democratic processes, a non-functional legislature, and an ineffective judiciary that fails to defend the rights of ordinary citizens.
In his powerful statement, Obi expressed frustration with what he perceives as the absence of democratic principles in Nigeria. He boldly declared, “There is no democracy in Nigeria today.” According to Obi, the government that is currently in power cannot be described as “by the people, for the people,” which he emphasized is a fundamental definition of democracy. “If you look at all the tenets, all the yardsticks of measuring democracy, it doesn’t exist here,” he stated.
Obi’s criticism extends beyond just the presidency, pointing to various levels of government across the country. He specifically referenced Edo State, questioning whether recent political events in the state could truly be considered democratic. “Look at what is happening in Edo, can you call that democracy? It’s not the vote of the people, and it’s certainly not for the people,” he argued.
Obi’s interview also shed light on the struggles faced by Nigeria’s internally displaced persons (IDPs). During a recent visit to an IDP camp, Obi spoke of the dire conditions that thousands of Nigerians are enduring, with many living without access to basic services such as healthcare and education.
“There are thousands of people in that camp, and they have no primary healthcare,” Obi revealed, adding that the residents had pleaded for basic medical care. He shared how the camp’s residents even requested just one nurse to assist with their needs, a request that Obi promised to follow up on. He also mentioned the lack of a primary school in the camp, with children having no access to education despite being the future leaders of the country.
“The children are going without an education, and these are the same people who will be leaders in the future,” Obi lamented. He criticized the government’s neglect of such pressing issues, especially in light of the N21 billion spent on renovating a luxury residence for the Vice President, a property that remains unused. “What are you doing?” he questioned, emphasizing the disparity between the lavish spending on high-ranking officials and the severe neglect of basic needs for vulnerable citizens.
According to Obi, a key pillar of any functioning democracy is a functional and effective legislature, which Nigeria currently lacks. He also pointed to the absence of an independent judiciary, which he argued is crucial for ensuring that the common man’s rights are protected.
“You can’t have a democracy without a functional and effective legislature. You also can’t have a democracy without an independent judiciary that fights for the common person,” Obi asserted. He emphasized that a government that does not deliver on its promises to its people is fundamentally flawed.
Obi’s critique went further to address the qualifications of individuals vying for political office. In Nigeria’s case, candidates are expected to meet certain criteria, including possessing valid educational qualifications and having reached a specific age. However, Obi claimed that this system is often undermined by the presence of candidates with unverified or forged certificates, as well as those with criminal backgrounds. “People are with unverified, forged certificates, criminal records all over the place, and they are in charge,” he remarked, underscoring the lack of accountability and integrity in the electoral system.
Obi acknowledged that Nigeria is still striving to become a true democracy, but he maintained that the country is far from achieving that goal. He highlighted recent events in Rivers State, where he believes democratic processes have been compromised. While he stopped short of providing detailed accounts of these events, Obi pointed out that Nigeria’s democracy is still flawed, and the country is in urgent need of reform.
“Maybe we are striving to be a democratic country, but the way we are today, it’s not happening,” Obi said, reinforcing his stance that the country is far from the ideal of democracy envisioned by its founding fathers.
Obi’s criticism of Nigeria’s political system has sparked a larger conversation about the state of democracy in the country. His comments resonate with many Nigerians who feel that their government is not meeting their needs and is instead prioritizing the interests of the elite. The lack of basic infrastructure, poor healthcare systems, inadequate education, and widespread corruption are just a few of the many issues that have sparked widespread frustration across the country.
Obi’s remarks have ignited calls for greater accountability and reform within the Nigerian political system. His appeal for a government that is truly by and for the people highlights the need for a change in how leaders approach governance and public service. Many Nigerians are questioning whether the current political establishment is truly invested in improving the lives of ordinary citizens, or whether it is only interested in serving the interests of a few.
As the 2023 elections loom closer, the debate over Nigeria’s democratic status and the need for comprehensive reforms is likely to intensify. With prominent political figures like Obi speaking out about the failures of the system, there may be increased pressure on both the government and opposition parties to take meaningful action to restore the trust of the Nigerian people.
In the coming months, it remains to be seen whether Obi’s calls for change will be heeded, or whether the status quo will persist. However, one thing is clear: many Nigerians are dissatisfied with the current state of democracy in the country, and there is growing momentum for change.
