Peter Obi, the presidential candidate for the 2023 election under the Labour Party, has emphasized the urgent need to restore Nigeria as a truly democratic nation.
In his assessment of Nigeria’s 25 years of uninterrupted democracy, Peter Obi emphasized the importance of a people-centered democracy.
He highlighted the significance of respecting citizens’ rights, upholding the rule of law, ensuring leaders remain accountable to the people, and prioritizing the welfare of all, especially the less privileged.
Contrary to these ideals, Obi lamented that Nigeria’s democracy has regressed into a state of capture, depriving its citizens of their rights and opportunities.
“While we may argue that in 1999 we embarked on the right path, today we find ourselves in a state of classical state capture. Instead of benefiting everyone, it has become a detriment to all.”
“As we commemorate Democracy Day, marking 25 years of striving to be a democratic nation, we must ask ourselves: Are we truly democratic?”
“It is time to critically examine our actions over the past quarter-century. Democracy, by definition, is a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.”
The consequences of veering away from true democracy have resulted in leadership failures, rampant corruption, escalating insecurity, limited freedom of speech, increasing poverty rates, and unprecedented levels of hunger and hardship, which remain unresolved and continue to worsen.
“True democracy should prioritize the well-being and care of its people, especially the poor. It should respect citizens’ rights, uphold the rule of law, and ensure leaders are accountable to the people.”
“Regrettably, our current situation is a far cry from this ideal,” reiterated Obi.
“To further demonstrate that our democracy is lacking, consider the following rankings: on the Global Democracy Index, Nigeria scores a mere 4.23, placing us low on the list. In the Corruption Perception Index, we rank 145th out of 180 countries, indicating a high level of corruption.”
“In the Rule of Law Measurement, we sit at 120th out of 142 countries on the World Justice Project’s Rule of Law Index, highlighting the gross disregard for the rule of law in Nigeria.”
“According to the 2024 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), Nigeria is one of the most dangerous and challenging countries for journalists in West Africa.”
“We rank 112th out of 180 countries in terms of monitoring, attacking, and arbitrarily arresting journalists. Additionally, we are 109th out of 125 countries on the Global Hunger Index.”
“On this June 12th commemoration, let us recommit ourselves to building a truly democratic nation. We achieved this milestone on June 12, 1993, when we collectively voted for democracy in Nigeria. Today, we must stand in defense of Nigeria’s democracy.”
“I urge everyone to respect and protect the institutions of the democratic state, adhere to the governing laws, be accountable to the people, and fulfill the responsibilities of responsible governance as outlined in the constitution.”
“As we forge ahead in building a New Nigeria, these principles shall serve as the bedrock of our true democracy. It is within our reach.” Obi affirmed.
