Peter Obi has criticised Nigeria’s democratic system, arguing that it lacks true opposition and fails to uphold the principles of democracy.
In a statement posted on X on Friday, the former Labour Party presidential candidate said, “The parliamentary vote held yesterday clearly demonstrates that democracy, in its true sense, does not exist in Nigeria. Where there is no functional opposition, democracy cannot thrive.”
He emphasised that opposition is a vital pillar of any democratic system, ensuring accountability and alternative viewpoints. However, he argued that Nigeria’s lack of proportional representation has rendered opposition ineffective.
According to Obi, proportional representation, as practised in countries like South Africa and Indonesia, allows for fairer electoral outcomes.
He explained that in South Africa’s 400-seat National Assembly, the ruling African National Congress (ANC), with 40% of the vote, holds about 160 seats, while the Democratic Alliance (DA), with 20% of the vote, controls roughly 80 seats.
Comparing this to Nigeria, Obi stated, “If that were the case in Nigeria, our Senate—comprising 109 seats—would be more reflective of electoral realities, with the APC holding 44 seats, the PDP 33 (under the leadership of Atiku), and the Labour Party 27 (under my leadership).
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“Ideally, the House of Representatives should mirror this balance, with approximately 144 APC members, 108 PDP members, and 90 Labour Party members. But this is far from the case.”
He blamed Nigeria’s weak party system on the absence of laws preventing elected officials from defecting to other parties, arguing that this practice undermines democracy.
“The absence of laws restricting party defection allows politicians to switch allegiances freely and without consequence.
“This not only weakens the opposition but also makes a mockery of the electorate’s will and undermines the integrity of our democratic institutions,” he said.
Obi described Nigeria’s democracy as “transactional, compromised, and, in many respects, resembles organised criminality.”
“He warned that without urgent reforms to enforce party discipline and fair representation, the country’s democracy would remain “fragile and dysfunctional.”
Despite these challenges, he vowed to continue fighting for genuine democracy, declaring, “But we will not surrender to criminality. We shall continue to fight for democracy—genuine democracy.”