Peter Obi Highlights Poverty’s Impact on Nigerian Democracy

Peter Obi, the Labour Party's presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has raised concerns about the deteriorating state of democracy in Nigeria, attributing it to the country’s persistent poverty crisis. Obi shared his views on Monday via a post on his X account.

The former governor of Anambra State emphasized that democracy is failing to serve its purpose when nearly 100 million Nigerians live in absolute poverty, with an additional 150 million enduring multidimensional poverty.

“Democracy is fast losing its essence if it fails to address the fundamental needs of its citizens, particularly in critical areas such as health, education, and poverty alleviation,” Obi tweeted.

He argued that democracy should not only deliver on its promises but also actively alleviate the suffering of the people.

Obi urged Nigerian leaders to focus on building independent institutions and fostering economic progress to address the nation’s poverty challenges.

“We must confront the fundamental question: Is democracy truly addressing the needs of Nigerians? Are we building institutions that uphold accountability, justice, and fairness?” he asked.

He emphasized the importance of strengthening governance structures, promoting active citizenship to hold leaders accountable, and empowering youth to drive nation-building.

Quoting Nelson Mandela, Obi added, “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.”

Obi also highlighted the precarious state of democracy across Africa, referencing the rise of coups and the fragility of governance systems globally. He stressed that democracy can only thrive when trust is established, institutions are robust, and leaders prioritize the welfare of their people.

“Democracy in Africa must move beyond ceremonial elections. It must function according to its core principles by establishing institutions that inspire confidence and ensuring complete deference to the will of the people,” he stated.