'Nigeria’s Democracy Is Dying': Peter Obi Warns, Lists Conditions to Save Country From Collapse

• Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has raised concerns over the state of Nigeria’s democracy
• Giving reasons why the country's democracy seems to be failing, he described it as drifting away from accountability
• The former Anambra state governor also outlined what must be done to save the country from imminent collapse

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, has warned that Nigeria’s democracy is “dying” due to a lack of accountability and failure to serve the people.

As revealed via X on Wednesday, September 17, he spoke at the 2025 Goodluck Jonathan Foundation Annual Democracy Dialogue in Accra, Ghana. The conference, with the theme “What Makes Democracy Die?”, brought together leaders and experts across Africa to discuss threats facing democratic systems.

The former Anambra state governor said democracy goes beyond elections, stressing that it must be rooted in service to citizens.

Read also

Trump, UK government told to issue travel ban on top Nigerian governor, reason, other details emerge

“Democracy is fundamentally about accountability, prioritising service to the people, ensuring security, providing education and healthcare, and lifting people out of poverty.”

He warned that once democracy fails to meet these basic standards, it begins to lose its essence.

“Democracy dies when it ceases to be accountable to the people and when it no longer prioritises their needs.”

Obi shares what can birth new Nigeria

Using Nigeria as a case study, Obi said the country offers a clear example of how democracy can drift away from its purpose.

“Nigeria is a typical example of where democracy is dying because it no longer serves the needs of the people and is no longer accountable to them.”

According to him, the democratic process in the country has been hijacked by a small elite who use public office for personal gain.

“In Nigeria, democracy has become a process of elite state capture, granting access to public resources for personal and family interests.”

Read also

Peter Obi speaks as nationwide protest looms, "difficult times"

To change this trend, Obi urged citizens to take greater responsibility during elections by voting for leaders with integrity and a clear commitment to service.

“To reverse this situation, Nigerians must take democracy and elections seriously by ensuring that only people with competence, capacity, character, compassion, and commitment to service are elected.”

Obi said he still believes Nigeria can build a working democracy if citizens choose the right leaders.

See his post here:

Obi slams Tinubu over pension crisis

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Peter Obi criticised the federal government after pensioners threatened a nationwide protest over unpaid arrears. He said it was “deeply concerning” that Nigerians who served the country must now protest for their rights.

Obi questioned why retirees remain unpaid despite President Bola Tinubu’s claim that Nigeria had already met its 2025 revenue target. He argued that revenue growth is meaningless if it does not reflect in the lives of citizens.

Read also

Kano state takes notable action amid “uncontrolled influx” of immigrants

The former Labour Party presidential candidate urged Tinubu’s government to use “excess revenue” to pay pensioners, restore dignity, and prove Nigeria values their service. Anything less, Obi warned, is “unjust and unacceptable.”

Source: Legit.ng