Former presidential candidate and Labour Party leader, Peter Obi, has raised alarm over what he describes as the collapse of democracy in Nigeria, warning that the system no longer serves the people but has been hijacked by politicians for selfish gain.
Speaking in Accra on Wednesday at the 2025 International Conference organized by the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, Obi said Nigeria is now a glaring example of how democracy can be manipulated to entrench state capture. He argued that the ruling elite have turned elections into a tool for consolidating power and controlling public resources, leaving citizens without accountability or genuine representation.
“Democracy in Nigeria is deteriorating because it no longer meets the needs of the people. Instead, it has become a means for the elite to seize state power, granting them unfettered access to the nation’s resources for personal and family use,” Obi declared.
He stressed that the true spirit of democracy lies in accountability and service to the people through good governance, security, quality education, healthcare, and poverty reduction. Without these, he said, democracy is nothing more than a façade.
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Obi urged Nigerians to rise above apathy and take elections seriously, insisting that only competent, compassionate, and service-driven leaders can reverse the country’s decline. “If we must change this situation, Nigerians must make democracy work for them by electing leaders with character, capacity, and a genuine commitment to public service,” he said.
The former Anambra governor’s comments come at a time of growing disillusionment among Nigerians over rising poverty, insecurity, and governance failures. His warning adds to a chorus of voices questioning whether Nigeria’s democracy is truly delivering on its promise, or sliding into a system that benefits only a select few at the expense of millions.
