Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has strongly criticized the state of governance in Nigeria, declaring that the country is not a democracy.

 

Speaking on Arise TV’s Prime Time on Tuesday, Obi argued that Nigeria lacks the fundamental principles that define a democratic system.

 

“I have said it, and I maintain that there is no democracy in Nigeria today,” he stated. “Nigeria today is not a democratic country. Let’s stop telling ourselves lies. If you look at all the tenets and yardsticks measuring democracy, it doesn’t exist here.”

 

Obi pointed to recent elections, including the one in Edo State, as evidence that the will of the people is not being respected. He also criticized the government’s spending priorities, highlighting that billions were spent on renovating the vice president’s residence while internally displaced persons (IDPs) lack access to basic healthcare and education.

 

In March, Obi also condemned President Bola Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State and suspend Governor Siminalayi Fubara, arguing that Nigeria’s democracy is deteriorating under the current administration.

 

In response, the presidency dismissed Obi’s remarks as exaggerated, with presidential aide Bayo Onanuga urging him to be more measured in his statements.

 

“I will urge him to watch what he says and restrain himself from playing to the gallery,” Onanuga said, accusing Obi of making unfounded claims designed for media attention.