Labour Party’s Peter Obi has sounded the alarm over the state of Nigeria’s democracy, accusing President Tinubu of orchestrating its collapse. He insists that the rule of law has been abandoned, and governance now operates on intimidation. Read full details.
Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has raised alarm over the state of Nigeria’s democracy, alleging that the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has completely dismantled the democratic progress built over the years. Obi, in a scathing statement, described Nigeria as a failed democracy where the rule of law no longer holds sway.
Speaking at the colloquium to celebrate the 60th birthday of former Imo State governor Emeka Ihedioha, the former Anambra State Governor painted a grim picture of the nation’s democratic regression, comparing it to a once-rising building that has now crumbled under President Tinubu’s leadership.
“They started democracy in 1999 and laid the foundation. Some people came and took it to a decking. Others tried to raise it to the first floor. But now, some people have come and knocked everything down. That is where we are today—everything has collapsed. Nothing works,” Obi lamented.
He further insisted that what was once a thriving system has been replaced with tyranny, where the executive arm now dictates the fate of opposition politicians and elected officials without due process.
‘Nigeria’s Judiciary Is No Longer Independent’ – Obi
Obi, who won the Anambra State governorship through a legal battle in 2006, expressed regret that such independent judicial rulings are now impossible in the country. He recalled how he secured his mandate through the courts without paying a bribe or political favor.
“I became governor through the courts. When President Obasanjo and Atiku were in power, I did not pay the court one naira. I was sitting in my house, and the court declared me winner. Today, that cannot happen in Nigeria,” Obi remarked.
He contrasted his experience with the present reality, where, according to him, the presidency no longer respects judicial independence. “Back then, the President would call and say, ‘Peter, are you okay?’ But today, the President himself is the one orchestrating impeachments,” he added.
‘From Democracy to Dictatorship’ – Obi Warns of Authoritarian Takeover
The former governor warned that Nigeria’s democracy is sliding into dictatorship, emphasizing that democratic values have been replaced with intimidation and suppression. He recounted how his impeachment in 2006 was met with intervention from the presidency, in contrast to today’s situation, where he believes the President facilitates the removal of political opponents.
“When I was impeached, President Obasanjo called me and asked, ‘Are you safe?’ He cared. Even when I returned after my court victory, President Yar’Adua personally called me from London and said, ‘Congratulations.’ That was the democracy we had. Now, if a governor is removed, the President might even instruct that he never returns,” Obi asserted.
Obi Calls for Urgent Rescue of Nigeria’s Democracy
Peter Obi concluded his statement by urging Nigerians to refocus on rebuilding the country’s governance, warning that democracy is on the verge of total collapse. According to him, instead of debating the obvious failures of the system, citizens must demand accountability and push for immediate reforms.
“It’s failing. We need to stop talking about whether it’s bad or not; we all know the truth. Now, the discussion should be about how we can rebuild Nigeria,” he stressed. WATCH VIDEO BELOW: