Nigeria, a typical example from which democracy is dying ‘ – OBI

Peter Obi, a former presidential candidate of the Labor Party, has increased concerns over the democratic state in Nigeria, describing the country as “a distinctive example in which democracy is dying.”

Speaking in the Jonathan Foundation’s GOODLUCK FOUNDATION annual democracy dialogue which was held on Wednesday at ACCRA, Ghana, Obi appointed erosion of democratic values, lack of accountability, and the influence of elite that were increasingly on public institutions as a core reason for democratic backsliding in Nigeria. The theme of this event is “What makes democracy die?”

“Democracy is basically about accountability, prioritizing services to the people, ensuring security, providing education and health care, and lifting people out of poverty,” Obi said. “Democracy died when he stopped responsible to the people and when it no longer prioritized their needs.”

Citing the current Nigerian political climate, the former Governor of the State Anambra believes that the democratic structure has been hijacked by the elites, who use their position to control the state resources for personal and family benefits. According to him, the arrest of this elite has damaged the democratic process.

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He urged residents to take greater responsibility during the election by choosing leaders based on integrity and ability to serve. “We must choose leaders with competence, capacity, character, affection, and commitment to services,” Obi stressed.

Obi also criticized the six-month emergency regulation which was recently concluded in the state of Rivers, appointed by the President of Bola Tinubu, called it unnecessary and unusual. “Recovery of democracy in the state of Rivers after six months of disturbance that does not need to remain a sour side of our democracy today,” he said. “I only hope that some of the lessons are learned by all gladiator in the State deadlock of Rivers.”

He concluded by emphasizing that democratic progress requires leaders who are willing to recognize mistakes and grow from them. “True leadership needs to admit mistakes, learn from them, and make corrections for democratic growth,” Obi said.