Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has strongly criticized the current leadership of Nigeria, alleging that individuals with criminal records and forged academic certificates are at the helm of the country’s affairs.
Speaking on Arise Television on Tuesday, Obi expressed deep concerns over the state of democracy in Nigeria, arguing that the country lacks a truly independent judiciary and functional legislative institutions.
According to him, without these, Nigeria cannot be classified as a democracy.
“There is no democracy in Nigeria today; Nigeria is not a democratic country. Let’s stop telling ourselves lies. It is not a democratic country. So it’s not for the people,” Obi asserted.
He emphasized that a true democracy requires an effective legislature and an independent judiciary that prioritizes the interests of ordinary citizens.
Obi lamented that these pillars are currently weak or non-existent in Nigeria, leading to widespread disenfranchisement.
“In a democracy, clear guidelines must be followed for those seeking public office. In Nigeria, candidates should meet qualifications such as primary, secondary, and university education and must attain a certain age.
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However, that is not happening today. People with unverified or forged certificates, alongside those with criminal backgrounds, are in charge of the country,” he stated.
Obi also pointed to recent political crises, including events in Rivers State, as evidence that Nigeria is not operating as a true democracy.
He decried the harassment of citizens, including prominent figures like himself, for expressing their views, further reinforcing his claim that freedom of speech is under threat in the country.
The former Anambra governor called for urgent reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions, ensure accountability in leadership, and restore public confidence in governance.
He urged Nigerians to push for transparency and genuine democracy, insisting that the country must move beyond its current challenges to achieve real progress.