BREAKING: Peter Obi Declares Democracy Does Not Exist in Nigeria

Peter Obi Declares Democracy Does Not Exist in Nigeria

 

Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has voiced his deep concern over the state of democracy in Nigeria, especially following the National Assembly’s recent approval of emergency rule in Rivers State.

 

In a statement released on his verified X account (formerly Twitter), Obi criticized the vote, stating that it was a clear indication that true democracy is absent in Nigeria.

 

Obi argued that the core essence of democracy—having a functional opposition—was lacking in the country. He emphasized that a healthy democratic system cannot thrive where there is no viable opposition to hold the ruling party accountable, provide alternative viewpoints, and ensure that the government remains transparent and responsive to the people.

 

“Where there is no functional opposition, democracy cannot thrive,” Obi wrote, asserting that opposition is a fundamental pillar of any democratic society. According to him, an effective opposition can only exist within a system that ensures proportional representation, as seen in countries like South Africa and Indonesia.

 

Drawing parallels with South Africa’s National Assembly, which has 400 seats and a system where the African National Congress (ANC) and the Democratic Alliance (DA) hold seats proportionate to their vote share, Obi underscored how such systems encourage balance and accountability. “In South Africa, the ANC holds around 160 seats with 40% of the vote, while the DA holds about 80 seats with 20% of the vote,” Obi noted. “Such proportional representation ensures that all parties, including opposition groups, remain a relevant force in government.”

 

Obi also highlighted how laws in these countries prevent elected officials from switching parties without forfeiting their seats, a mechanism that maintains party discipline and protects the electoral mandate. He contrasted this with the Nigerian political system, where party defections are rampant and unchecked, weakening the opposition and undermining the integrity of the electoral process.

 

“If that were the case in Nigeria, our Senate—comprising 109 seats—would be more reflective of electoral realities, with the APC holding 44 seats, the PDP 33, and the Labour Party 27,” Obi argued. “But this is far from the case. The absence of laws restricting party defection makes a mockery of the electorate’s will and erodes trust in our democratic institutions.”

 

Obi’s statement paints a grim picture of Nigeria’s current democratic landscape, describing it as a “transactional, compromised” system that resembles organized criminality rather than a genuine democracy. He stressed the urgency for comprehensive electoral reforms to strengthen party discipline, enforce fair representation, and restore the integrity of Nigeria’s democracy.

 

Despite his disillusionment, Obi remains resolute in his commitment to fighting for a better, more democratic Nigeria. “We will not surrender to criminality. We shall continue to fight for democracy—genuine democracy,” he vowed.

 

As Nigeria continues to grapple with political challenges, Obi’s call for reform resonates with those advocating for a more transparent and accountable political system.