Peter Obi Speaks Out: Democracy In Nigeria Under Current Leadership Has Failed

Ex-Presidential Candidate Peter Obi: Democracy Has Crumbled in Nigeria

Let me set the stage for you. Peter Obi, the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has laid it all out on the table. He’s not holding back when it comes to his views on democracy in Nigeria. According to Obi, the system we’ve all hoped would thrive under the current administration has, unfortunately, collapsed. That’s right—collapsed. And he’s got some pretty compelling stories to back it up.

Recalling the Good Old Days: Obasanjo’s Era

As Naija News reports, Peter Obi reminisced about a time when things were different. Back when he was governor, he faced an impeachment attempt. But guess what? Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and the former Senate President, Ken Nnamani, stepped in and saved the day. They intervened on his behalf, ensuring that justice prevailed. Obi points out that this kind of integrity and fairness in the judicial system was something that existed under Obasanjo and former President Musa Yaradua. A far cry from where we find ourselves today, where a president can suspend a governor without batting an eye.

The Turning Point: A Democracy in Ruins

Obi shared these thoughts during a panel discussion at Emeka Ihedioha’s 60th birthday democracy colloquium in Abuja. He took the opportunity to respond to Catholic Archbishop of Sokoto Archdiocese, Hassan Matthew Kukah, who believes that democracy is merely a work in progress. Obi, however, paints a much darker picture. He likens the current state of democracy in Nigeria to a building that was once on its way to greatness. It started strong in 1999, progressed steadily, and then—boom—it was knocked down. Everything we worked so hard for is now in shambles.

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Let me break it down for you. Back in the day, Obi became governor thanks to a court ruling. And here’s the kicker: he didn’t bribe anyone. The court was free from corruption, and the decision was fair and just. Fast forward to today, and it’s a completely different story. Can you imagine that happening now? Obi emphasizes that the level of integrity that existed back then is practically non-existent today. He says, “When I was being impeached, the president sent people to intervene on my behalf. Ken Nnamani came, pleading with the House members not to impeach me. Today, the president impeaches the person.”

A Personal Reflection: The Days of Obasanjo and Yaradua

Obi dives deeper into his personal experiences during those years. He recalls how former President Obasanjo personally reached out to him during the impeachment attempt, asking if he was okay and ensuring his safety. Even when Obi was eventually exonerated by the court, Obasanjo checked in on him. Imagine that—leaders who genuinely cared about the well-being of their fellow leaders. Contrast that with today, where the president might as well tell you not to come back.

Obi also shares a story about former President Yaradua. After the court declared him the rightful governor, Yaradua went above and beyond to welcome him back. He personally called Obi while he was in London, asking about his flight details and insisting that he return. Upon landing, Obi was greeted by military personnel who escorted him straight to the president. Can you picture that happening today? It’s almost unimaginable.

So, where do we go from here? Obi makes it clear: democracy in Nigeria has failed. But rather than dwell on the past, he calls for action. We need to rebuild the system, brick by brick, and restore the integrity and fairness that once defined it. The question is, are we willing to do the hard work it takes to make that happen?