The Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has expressed concerns over the state of democracy in Nigeria, citing deep-rooted poverty as a significant threat to its essence. Obi shared his thoughts in a post on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Monday.
According to the former governor of Anambra State, the alarming poverty levels in the country undermine the fundamental purpose of democracy, which is to address the basic needs of citizens.
“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 called on leaders to confront the worsening poverty crisis by prioritizing the strengthening of independent institutions and delivering tangible economic progress for the populace.
“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.
To achieve functional democracy, Obi emphasized the need for governance that delivers economic and social progress, the empowerment of youth as key drivers of nation-building, and active citizenship to hold leaders accountable.
Quoting Nelson Mandela, he remarked, “As long as poverty, injustice, and inequality exist, none of us can truly rest.”
The Labour Party candidate further highlighted the urgency of deepening democratic values amid rising coups across Africa and increasing global challenges to democracy. He stressed that democracy cannot thrive without trust, robust institutions, and a commitment to the welfare of the people.
“Now is the time to deepen democracy and build a better future for all Nigerians,” Obi said.
Obi also reiterated that for democracy in Africa to move beyond its current fragile state, it must transcend ceremonial elections. He urged the building of credible institutions that command trust and uphold the people’s will.
“Governance can only deliver tangible benefits when the will of the people prevails,” he concluded.
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