Former Anambra State governor Peter Obi has warned that Nigeria’s democracy faces grave danger, accusing the political class of fueling injustice, impunity, and the collapse of key institutions for selfish gain.
Obi Speaks After Abuja Convention
Obi made the remarks in a long statement on his official X handle after attending the first convention of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Abuja on May 9.
Quoting former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, Obi wrote: “Some men change their party for the sake of their principles; others change their principles for the sake of their party.”
He said the convention showed that Nigerians still want political change. Furthermore, he thanked the NDC leadership for welcoming opposition figures during a difficult political season.
“Today, May 9th, I attended the 1st convention of my latest party, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Abuja, Nigeria. The convention was successful and continued to show the resilience of Nigerians to change,” Obi said.
“I express my sincere appreciation and gratitude to the NDC family, led by the distinguished Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, for inviting us and for the generosity of spirit with which they have accommodated us at this critical moment in our national journey.”
Thanks to ADC, David Mark
Meanwhile, Obi also praised the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former Senate President David Mark.
He said the party offered a democratic platform after court cases disrupted both the Labour Party and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).
“I also wish to express profound gratitude to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), particularly Distinguished Senator David Mark, for providing a democratic platform and showing uncommon understanding when the ongoing litigation forced us out of the Labour Party and the New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP respectively,” he said.
“That spirit of solidarity must remain the foundation upon which a better Nigeria will be built.”
Obi Accuses Politicians of Betrayal
However, Obi said many politicians who once enjoyed democracy now work against it.
“Today, the most painful aspect of our political existence is that many who once benefited from democratic governance have now become willing accessories to the destruction of democracy itself,” he stated.
“Those who once fought for justice now openly celebrate electoral injustice. Those who once spoke against impunity now defend coercion, manipulation, intimidation, and outright political gangsterism, especially against opposition voices.”
“What we are witnessing is not politics; it is a systematic assault on democracy and the will of the people.”
Nigeria at Dangerous Crossroads
Consequently, Obi said Nigeria now stands at a dangerous crossroads. He described the country as drifting without direction while citizens face deep hardship.
“Nigeria today stands at a dangerous crossroads. Our democracy is under severe threat. Our nation is drifting without direction, and our people are passing through immense suffering,” Obi said.
“Across the world, Nigeria is increasingly described as a failing and disgraced nation. This is not the destiny God ordained for our great country. It was not always so, and it must never be allowed to remain so.”
Poverty, Inflation, Insecurity Rising
Furthermore, Obi said governance indicators continue to worsen. He listed accountability, rule of law, political stability, anti-corruption efforts, and government effectiveness.
“The institutions that should protect the people are weakening daily, while the burden on ordinary citizens grows heavier with each passing moment.”
He added that more than 140 million Nigerians now live in multidimensional poverty, while millions of youths remain unemployed or underemployed.
“Inflation continues to crush families. Businesses are shutting down. Farmers can no longer safely access their farms. Communities live in fear,” he said.
“In this month alone, hundreds of innocent Nigerians have lost their lives to insecurity, while many others have been kidnapped, displaced, or thrown deeper into poverty.”
Obi Raises Emotional Questions
In response, Obi asked who comforts grieving parents and struggling workers.
“Who consoles the grieving mother whose child was abducted on the way to school?”
“Who speaks for the father who can no longer feed his family despite working every day?”
“Who defends the young Nigerian whose dreams have been destroyed by a nation that rewards connections over competence and corruption over character?”
Blames Political Elite
Meanwhile, Obi blamed Nigeria’s crisis on years of deliberate sabotage by the ruling class.
“Our present tragedy is not accidental. It is the direct consequence of years of deliberate sabotage by a political class that prospers by dividing the people and weakening the nation,” he said.
“Nigeria is not a poor country; rather, we are being looted into poverty.”
“We have abundant human and natural resources, yet we remain trapped in deprivation because leadership has failed to place the common good above personal interest.”
Calls for National Rebuild
Finally, Obi urged Nigerians to choose action over despair.
“Our choice as a people is therefore clear: whether to surrender to despair and national decline, or to summon the courage to rescue our country and rebuild it on the foundations of unity, equity, justice, competence, and productivity.”
