Peter Obi Claims Absence of Democracy in Nigeria

Peter Obi, former Labour Party presidential candidate, declared that Nigeria lacks true democracy. He criticized the electoral integrity and government priorities, emphasizing the need for better representation and essential services for citizens. His remarks challenge the current political landscape and call for significant reforms.

Peter Obi, the former presidential candidate for the Labour Party, has asserted that Nigeria is devoid of genuine democracy. During a recent appearance on Arise TV’s Prime Time show, he articulated his belief that Nigeria does not fulfill fundamental democratic standards. Obi stated emphatically, “I have said it, and I maintain that there is no democracy in Nigeria today.”

He elaborated his perspective by defining democracy as a government “of the people, by the people, and for the people.” According to Obi, Nigeria’s governance fails these criteria, as evidenced by the lack of meaningful representation in the electoral process. “It’s not by the people because people’s votes didn’t count,” he emphasized, referring to election integrity issues affecting various levels of governance, including recent events in Edo state.

Furthermore, Obi criticized the government’s failure to serve the populace effectively. He shared an encounter at a camp for displaced individuals, where residents expressed their dire need for basic healthcare services. Obi recounted, “They begged me for just one nurse,” highlighting pressing humanitarian needs.

Addressing the issue of governmental priorities, he questioned the allocation of substantial funds for less critical projects, saying, “How can a country spend N21 billion renovating a house for the vice-president who doesn’t even live there?” He advocated for investment in education, underscoring the importance of building facilities for the youth. Obi also expressed his dissent regarding President Tinubu’s actions to declare a state of emergency in Rivers and suspend Governor Siminalayi Fubara in March.

In summary, Peter Obi’s assertions highlight significant concerns regarding the state of democracy in Nigeria, emphasizing the absence of genuine representation and prioritization of basic humanitarian needs. His critique calls for a reevaluation of governmental priorities, advocating for essential services over extravagant expenditures. This conversation brings attention to ongoing issues within Nigeria’s political framework that demand urgent address.

Original Source: businessday.ng