Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has called on President Bola Tinubu to emulate former leaders Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and Goodluck Jonathan in promoting true democratic values.
In a statement released on Democracy Day, Obi accused the Tinubu-led government of “weaponising governance,” ignoring the rule of law, and failing to uphold the principles of democracy.
Obi praised former President Yar’Adua for openly admitting that the process that brought him to power was flawed, and commended Jonathan for his historic concession in the 2015 elections, which preserved Nigeria’s democracy.
“And similarly, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan saved our nascent democracy by accepting defeat even before the election result, announced in the dark,” Obi said.
He lamented that Nigeria can no longer be considered a democratic nation, citing a lack of transparency, accountability, and respect for due process.
“In our present state, our dear country, Nigeria cannot be justly classified as a democratic country. The vital indications of democracy are noticeably absent. Democracy is said to be ‘a government of the people, by the people, and for the people,’ yet none of these three measures exist in our democracy today,” he stated.
Obi also aimed at the current government’s handling of elections and leadership appointments, alleging that unqualified individuals have emerged in power due to deliberate disregard for electoral rules and standards.
He criticised the administration for what he described as a culture of “impunity, state capture, and absolute disregard for the rule of law and checks and balances.”
“It is most troubling that in its two years in office, the present government has brought the nation to the point where our leaders now celebrate and endorse failure, lies, and propaganda,” he said.
“The government today, rather than show genuine accountability and measurable progress, focuses on manipulating narratives, gaslighting the public, shifting blame and weaponising governance.”
Obi’s message has added to the rising chorus of public scrutiny on the Tinubu administration as Nigerians continue to grapple with economic challenges, insecurity, and concerns over democratic backsliding.
