Peter Obi, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has expressed deep concern over the state of democracy in Nigeria, asserting that the country no longer deserves to be called a democratic nation.
In a speech delivered on Democracy Day, Obi argued that the fundamental principles of democracy are missing from Nigeria’s current system of governance.
“Regrettably, Nigeria today cannot be classified as a democratic country. Democracy is defined as government of the people, by the people, and for the people, yet none of these criteria are present in our nation’s democracy,” he said.
Obi criticised the electoral process, highlighting widespread violations of rules and eligibility criteria. “Individuals who should be disqualified are now occupying public offices,” he stated.
Reflecting on the significance of June 12 in Nigeria’s democratic history, Obi voiced alarm over the erosion of democratic values under the present administration in just two years.
“It is deeply troubling that within a short span of two years, our country has experienced a significant decline in democratic principles,” he said.
He also pointed to deteriorating conditions in security, the economy, and social services such as education and healthcare.
“We have moved from rigged elections to failing social services, from increasing poverty to escalating corruption, and from an apparently stable economy to a shadow economy,” Obi observed.
Accusing the federal government of prioritizing manipulation of public opinion over genuine accountability, he said, “Instead of demonstrating real progress, the government focuses on controlling narratives, misleading the public, shifting blame, and politicizing governance.”
Obi supported his claims with economic data, noting that Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) fell from $364 billion in May 2023 to $188 billion, while per capita income dropped from $1,640 to $835.
“The percentage of Nigerians living in poverty has risen from 38.9% to 54%, with 129 million people now below the poverty line,” he added.
He referenced a World Bank report indicating that 75% of Nigerians in rural areas live in poverty.
Obi also lamented the dire state of education and healthcare services. “Currently, 18.3 million children are out of school—the highest number worldwide. Our children study science without labs and computer lessons without computers. Many sit exams by candlelight due to lack of electricity,” he said.
On healthcare, he quoted the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, revealing that fewer than 20% of the country’s more than 30,000 primary health care centers are functional.
“During recent visits, I saw delivery rooms without toilets,” Obi recounted.
He concluded by warning that Nigeria is rapidly declining in all areas, with the rule of law nearly extinct and governance failing to meet the basic needs of its citizens.