POLITICIAN and former governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi has expressed concern that Nigeria’s democracy is “fast losing its essence” due to widespread poverty in the country.
Obi in a post on his X handle today, highlighted the alarming number of Nigerians living in poverty and called for urgent action from the nation’s leaders.
“With about 100 million Nigerians living in absolute poverty and 150 million in 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 stated.
He urged leaders to prioritize strengthening independent institutions and ensuring economic progress for citizens.
“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.
Obi outlined key actions needed to revitalize Nigeria’s democracy, including fostering governance that delivers economic and social progress, empowering youth as drivers of nation-building, and encouraging active citizenship to hold leaders accountable.
Referencing Nelson Mandela, he said, “As long as poverty, injustice, and inequality exist, none of us can truly rest.”
Obi emphasized the need to deepen democratic values and build a better future for all Nigerians.
He also expressed concern about the rising fragility of democracies across Africa, pointing out that for democracy to thrive, it must move beyond ceremonial elections and operate within its foundational principles.
“This requires building critical institutions that command trust and deliver absolute respect for the people’s will. Governance can only deliver tangible benefits when the will of the people prevails,” he added.
Obi’s message underscores the need for democratic governance that addresses citizens’ needs and builds trust, particularly as Africa grapples with challenges to democratic stability.