Peter Obi, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has urged President Bola Tinubu to follow the example of ex-presidents Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and Goodluck Jonathan by upholding genuine democratic principles.
In a statement marking Democracy Day, Peter Obi criticized the Tinubu administration for allegedly turning governance into a tool of oppression, disregarding the rule of law, and failing to uphold democratic ideals. He lauded former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua for his honesty in acknowledging the flaws in the election that brought him to power, and praised Goodluck Jonathan for his landmark concession in the 2015 elections, which safeguarded Nigeria’s democratic process.
“Similarly, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan safeguarded our young democracy by conceding defeat even before the official election results were announced under questionable circumstances,” Obi stated.
He expressed concern that Nigeria no longer qualifies as a true democracy, pointing to the erosion of transparency, accountability, and adherence to due process.
“Given the current state of affairs, Nigeria can no longer be rightfully described as a democratic nation,” Obi stated. “The essential hallmarks of democracy are glaringly missing. While democracy is defined as a government of the people, by the people, and for the people, none of these elements are truly present in our system today.
”He further criticized the present administration’s conduct during elections and in making leadership appointments, accusing it of sidelining electoral principles and installing unqualified individuals into positions of power.
“In its current state, Nigeria can no longer be accurately described as a democratic nation,” Obi asserted. “The key pillars of democracy are clearly missing. While democracy is traditionally defined as a government of the people, by the people, and for the people, none of these principles are reflected in our system today.
“He also criticized the present administration’s approach to elections and appointments, alleging that the government has ignored due process, allowing unqualified individuals to ascend to power by flouting established electoral guidelines and standards.
He condemned the administration for fostering what he termed a culture of “impunity, state capture, and a blatant disregard for the rule of law and institutional checks and balances.
“It is deeply concerning that after two years in office, this government has led the country to a place where leadership now glorifies and embraces failure, falsehoods, and propaganda,” Obi stated.
Peter Obi stated, “Instead of demonstrating real accountability and tangible achievements, the current government prioritizes narrative manipulation, gaslighting, blame-shifting, and the weaponization of governance.
”His remarks have further amplified growing public criticism of the Tinubu administration, as many Nigerians remain burdened by economic hardship, escalating insecurity, and fears of a weakening democratic system.
