Vanessa 
Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has strongly criticized the National Assembly’s approval of a state of emergency in Rivers State, declaring that true democracy does not exist in Nigeria.
Obi made this assertion in a statement on his X handle on Friday, condemning the decision by both the Senate and House of Representatives to endorse President Bola Tinubu’s emergency declaration, despite widespread public opposition.
“The parliamentary vote held yesterday clearly demonstrates that democracy, in its true sense, does not exist in Nigeria,” Obi stated, lamenting the absence of a functional opposition in the country.
A Democracy in Name Only?
According to Obi, democracy thrives on opposition, as it holds the ruling party accountable and provides alternative viewpoints. However, he argued that Nigeria’s political system has been compromised by party defections and a lack of proportional representation.
Citing examples from South Africa and Indonesia, Obi explained how their systems ensure fair representation, preventing elected officials from switching parties without consequences. He suggested that if Nigeria had a similar framework, its Senate and House of Representatives would better reflect the actual electoral outcome, ensuring a stronger opposition presence.
“The absence of laws restricting party defection allows politicians to switch allegiances freely and without consequence,” Obi added. “This not only weakens the opposition but also makes a mockery of the electorate’s will.”
A Call for Reform
Obi described Nigeria’s current political structure as “transactional, compromised, and in many respects, resembling organized criminality.” He warned that without urgent reforms to enforce party discipline and uphold democratic principles, the nation’s democracy would remain fragile and dysfunctional.
“But we will not surrender to criminality,” he declared. “We shall continue to fight for democracy, genuine democracy.”
His comments have sparked fresh debate over Nigeria’s electoral integrity and the growing concerns about one-party dominance in the country’s political landscape.
