Former Anambra State governor and former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has warned that Nigeria’s democracy is facing a serious threat, accusing the political class of fueling injustice, impunity, and the gradual destruction of democratic institutions for personal interests.
Obi made the remarks in a statement shared on his official X account after attending the maiden convention of the Nigeria Democratic Congress held in Abuja on May 9.
Referencing former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, Obi said: “Some men change their party for the sake of their principles; others change their principles for the sake of their party.”
According to him, the convention demonstrated Nigerians’ growing desire for political change and resilience despite the country’s mounting political challenges. He also praised the leadership of the NDC, led by Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, for welcoming members of opposition parties during what he described as a critical period in Nigeria’s political history.
Obi further acknowledged the support of the African Democratic Congress and former Senate President David Mark, noting that the party provided a democratic platform after legal disputes affected both the Labour Party and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).
The former governor expressed concern over what he described as the collapse of democratic values in Nigeria, accusing some politicians of abandoning the principles they once defended.
“Those who once fought for justice now openly celebrate electoral injustice,” Obi stated. “Those who once condemned impunity now defend coercion, manipulation, intimidation, and outright political gangsterism, especially against opposition voices.”
He argued that the country was witnessing “a systematic assault on democracy and the will of the people” rather than genuine politics.
Obi warned that Nigeria now stands at a dangerous crossroads, describing the nation as directionless and increasingly viewed negatively on the global stage.
“Our democracy is under severe threat. Our nation is drifting without direction, and our people are passing through immense suffering,” he said.
The former presidential candidate also criticised the state of governance in the country, citing worsening poverty, unemployment, insecurity, inflation, and weakening institutions. According to him, key indicators of good governance — including accountability, political stability, rule of law, and control of corruption — continue to show alarming decline.
He claimed that more than 140 million Nigerians are living in multidimensional poverty, while millions of young people remain unemployed or underemployed. Obi added that inflation continues to cripple families and businesses, while insecurity has made farming unsafe in many communities.
“In this month alone, hundreds of innocent Nigerians have lost their lives to insecurity, while many others have been kidnapped, displaced, or pushed deeper into poverty,” he said.
Obi also raised concerns about the plight of ordinary Nigerians, questioning who speaks for struggling families, grieving parents, and youths whose ambitions have been frustrated by a system that rewards connections and corruption over competence.
Blaming the nation’s challenges on years of failed leadership, Obi accused the political elite of deliberately weakening the country for personal gain.
“Nigeria is not a poor country; rather, we are being looted into poverty,” he declared, adding that the country’s abundant human and natural resources have been mismanaged because leaders failed to prioritise the common good.
He concluded by urging Nigerians to choose between continued national decline and collective action to rebuild the country on the foundations of justice, equity, competence, unity, and productivity.
