The debate over the state of democracy in Nigeria has intensified following remarks by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and Catholic Bishop Matthew Kukah, who argued that democracy has failed under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. At a colloquium marking Emeka Ihedioha’s 60th birthday, Obi likened Nigeria’s democracy to a demolished building, stating that governance has regressed since 1999.
Presidency’s Response and Political Reactions:
In response, presidential aide Bayo Onanuga dismissed Obi’s claims as exaggerated and baseless, arguing that free speech itself proves democracy is intact. However, the Obidient Movement condemned Onanuga’s remarks as a threat to Obi and warned that any harm to him would be attributed to the Tinubu administration.
Voices Supporting Democracy’s Decline Several political and religious figures, including former Senate President Adolphus Wabara and Methodist Archbishop Raphael Opoko, asserted that Nigeria is no longer practicing true democracy but rather a “selectocracy,” where power remains concentrated among a few elites. Methodist Archbishop Biereonwu Onuagha blamed political corruption for the deterioration of democracy, citing weak institutions and judicial manipulation.
Criticism of Institutional Failures
Ex-PDP spokesperson Diran Odeyemi and CUPP Secretary Peter Ameh criticized the Nigerian government’s disregard for democratic principles, pointing to executive overreach, legislative rubber-stamping, and judicial corruption as indicators of a failing system. Chief Emeka Diwe emphasized that democracy cannot thrive when constitutional processes are routinely ignored.
Defending Nigeria’s Democratic Progress on the other hand, some analysts, including former SDP chairman Stephen Adewale and former Osun lawmaker Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, argued that democracy remains functional, citing free elections where incumbents lost power. The Yoruba Council Worldwide and Afenifere leaders called for constructive democratic reforms rather than alarmist rhetoric.
