Peter Obi: “Democracy is Nonexistent in Nigeria”
Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has criticized the National Assembly for endorsing President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
Obi expressed his discontent in a post on his X handle, stating that the parliamentary vote demonstrated that true democracy does not exist in Nigeria. He emphasized that democracy cannot flourish without a strong opposition.
Despite significant public opposition, both the Senate and the House of Representatives approved Tinubu’s emergency declaration. As part of the decision, the Senate suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months.
Obi argued that Nigeria lacks a genuine democratic system, calling it transactional, compromised, and akin to organized criminality. He highlighted how functional democracies like South Africa and Indonesia ensure proportional representation and enforce laws preventing politicians from switching parties without consequences—an element missing in Nigeria’s political landscape.
According to him, if Nigeria’s Senate and House of Representatives were truly reflective of election results, opposition parties would have stronger representation. However, the absence of laws restricting party defection weakens the opposition and distorts democratic principles.
Obi concluded by stressing the urgent need for electoral reforms to strengthen democracy, enforce party discipline, and uphold fair representation. He reaffirmed his commitment to fighting for genuine democracy in Nigeria.
About The Author
