Peter Obi: Nigeria Facing A Systematic Assault On Democracy

Peter Obi says Nigeria faces democratic collapse, worsening poverty, insecurity, corruption, and systematic assaults on opposition voices.

Former governor of Anambra State Peter Obi, has warned that Nigeria’s democracy is under severe threat, accusing members of the political class of enabling injustice, impunity, and the destruction of democratic institutions for personal gain.

Obi made the remarks in a lengthy statement posted on his official X handle after attending the first convention of the Nigeria Democratic Congress in Abuja on May 9.

Quoting former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, Obi wrote: “Some men change their party for the sake of their principles; others change their principles for the sake of their party.”

He said the convention reflected Nigerians’ desire for political change and thanked the leadership of the NDC for accommodating members of opposition parties amid ongoing political challenges.

“Today, May 9th, I attended the 1st convention of my latest party, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Abuja, Nigeria. The convention was successful and continued to show the resilience of Nigerians to change,” Obi said.

“I express my sincere appreciation and gratitude to the NDC family, led by the distinguished Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, for inviting us and for the generosity of spirit with which they have accommodated us at this critical moment in our national journey.”

Obi also acknowledged the support of the African Democratic Congress and former Senate President, David Mark, saying the party provided a democratic platform after legal disputes affected both the Labour Party and the New Nigeria People’s Party.

“I also wish to express profound gratitude to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), particularly Distinguished Senator David Mark, for providing a democratic platform and showing uncommon understanding when the ongoing litigation forced us out of the Labour Party and the New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP respectively,” he said.

“That spirit of solidarity must remain the foundation upon which a better Nigeria will be built.”

Obi lamented what he described as the growing collapse of democratic values in Nigeria, accusing some politicians of abandoning the ideals they once defended.

“Today, the most painful aspect of our political existence is that many who once benefited from democratic governance have now become willing accessories to the destruction of democracy itself,” he stated.

“Those who once fought for justice now openly celebrate electoral injustice. Those who once spoke against impunity now defend coercion, manipulation, intimidation, and outright political gangsterism, especially against opposition voices.”

“What we are witnessing is not politics; it is a systematic assault on democracy and the will of the people.”

The former presidential candidate warned that Nigeria was at a “dangerous crossroads,” describing the country as directionless and increasingly viewed negatively by the international community.

“Nigeria today stands at a dangerous crossroads. Our democracy is under severe threat. Our nation is drifting without direction, and our people are passing through immense suffering,” Obi said.

“Across the world, Nigeria is increasingly described as a failing and disgraced nation. This is not the destiny God ordained for our great country. It was not always so, and it must never be allowed to remain so.”

He further criticised the state of governance in the country, saying key democratic institutions were weakening while poverty, unemployment, insecurity, and inflation continued to worsen.

“Across virtually every recognised indicator of good governance – accountability, political stability, rule of law, control of corruption, government effectiveness, regulatory quality, and the separation of powers – Nigeria continues to record alarming failures,” he stated.

“The institutions that should protect the people are weakening daily, while the burden on ordinary citizens grows heavier with each passing moment.”

Obi said more than 140 million Nigerians were currently living in multidimensional poverty, while millions of youths remained unemployed or underemployed.

“Inflation continues to crush families. Businesses are shutting down. Farmers can no longer safely access their farms. Communities live in fear,” he said.

“In this month alone, hundreds of innocent Nigerians have lost their lives to insecurity, while many others have been kidnapped, displaced, or thrown deeper into poverty.”

Raising emotional questions about the plight of ordinary Nigerians, Obi said: “Who consoles the grieving mother whose child was abducted on the way to school?”

“Who speaks for the father who can no longer feed his family despite working every day?”

“Who defends the young Nigerian whose dreams have been destroyed by a nation that rewards connections over competence and corruption over character?”

Obi blamed the country’s current challenges on what he described as years of deliberate sabotage by the political elite.

“Our present tragedy is not accidental. It is the direct consequence of years of deliberate sabotage by a political class that prospers by dividing the people and weakening the nation,” he said.

“Nigeria is not a poor country; rather, we are being looted into poverty.”

“We have abundant human and natural resources, yet we remain trapped in deprivation because leadership has failed to place the common good above personal interest.”

He concluded by urging Nigerians to choose between national decline and collective action to rebuild the country.

“Our choice as a people is therefore clear: whether to surrender to despair and national decline, or to summon the courage to rescue our country and rebuild it on the foundations of unity, equity, justice, competence, and productivity.”