The Director General of the Micheal Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS), Comrade Issa Aremu, has criticized former President Olusegun Obasanjo and 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, for their recent statements suggesting that democracy is dying in Nigeria and Africa.
Aremu described such remarks as “democracy-pessimism” and dismissed them as baseless, arguing that Nigeria remains a model of democratic consolidation despite challenges in nation-building. He made this statement while addressing journalists at Arewa House, Kaduna, during a special prayer session organized by the Arewa Think Tank (ATT) to celebrate the 73rd birthday of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The labour leader argued that democracy in Nigeria is thriving, citing the country’s robust democratic processes and institutions. “With 19 registered political parties, over 93 million registered voters, 176,846 polling units, and seven concluded presidential elections since 1999, Nigeria remains a democracy destination,” Aremu stated.
He also highlighted the vibrant role of civil society, trade unions, media freedom, and a series of peaceful elections as proof that democracy is alive and well. Aremu stressed that the nation’s democratic journey has been marked by significant milestones, including peaceful transitions of power and a culture of electoral participation.
Criticizing Obasanjo and Obi for their stance, Aremu accused them of suffering from a “bring-down-what-I-cannot-control syndrome,” stating that they are undermining democracy simply because they are no longer in power. He urged Nigerians to remain optimistic and continue to consolidate democratic gains rather than succumbing to despair.
Citing recent successful elections in Africa, Aremu noted that Namibia elected its first female president, Nangolo Mbumba, following the death of President Hage Geingob in 2024, while Senegal witnessed a peaceful transition with the election of 45-year-old Bassirou Diomaye Faye and the concession of ruling party candidate Amadou Ba. He argued that Obasanjo’s assertion that democracy is dying in Africa reflects a lack of awareness of current political developments.
Aremu also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, describing him as an “audacious reformer” with a legitimate right to seek re-election in 2027 to build on his achievements, particularly in the labour sector. He lauded the recent approval of a N758 billion bond to settle long-standing pension liabilities, calling it a compassionate and impactful move under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
In conclusion, Aremu urged the media to report accurately and critically examine the intentions behind statements that undermine democratic progress, cautioning against sensationalism and scaremongering that could erode public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
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