Politician and a former governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi has said described Nigeria’s democracy as “fast losing its essence” as a result of deep-necked poverty ravaging the country.
Politician and a former governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi has said described Nigeria’s democracy as “fast losing its essence” as a result of deep-necked poverty ravaging the country.
“We must confront the fundamental question: is democracy truly addressing the needs of Nigerians? Are we building institutions that uphold accountability, justice, and fairness? To achieve a functional democracy, we must prioritize strengthening independent institutions, fostering governance that delivers economic and social progress, encouraging active citizenship to hold leaders accountable, and empowering our youth as drivers of nation-building.
“As Nelson Mandela once said, “As long as poverty, injustice, and inequality exist, none of us can truly rest.” Now is the time to deepen democracy and build a better future for all Nigerians. Amid the rise of coups across Africa and the growing fragility of democracies globally, it is evident that democracy cannot thrive without trust, robust institutions, and a steadfast commitment to the welfare of the people.”
He argued that for democracy in Africa to thrive beyond its current fragile state, it must operate within its foundational tenets, going beyond ceremonial elections. This requires building critical institutions that command trust and deliver absolute respect for the people’s will.