Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has criticized the current state of democracy in Nigeria, calling it a time of suffering and setbacks for the nation.
According to Obi, the nation’s democracy is being undermined by what he described as “transitional politics,” which has exacerbated the nation’s challenges.
Speaking at a campaign event in Akure, Ondo State, on Monday, Obi expressed his concerns over Nigeria’s democracy, which he claimed has led to widespread suffering.
He noted, “We know democracy is suffering in Nigeria now. They have also turned democracy into transitional politics. But, we still insist that we continue to campaign and tell Nigerians that this is the time to start building a New Nigeria.”
Obi called for a collective effort in rebuilding the nation, envisioning a future where every Nigerian, regardless of their background, has equal opportunities.
“A Nigeria where a child of nobody is somebody, a Nigeria where there will be equal opportunity,” he added.
He emphasized the need for a country where poverty is reduced, children are educated, and hospitals function properly.
The former governor of Anambra State further stated that the country’s democracy has suffered severe setbacks due to leadership failures.
He argued that these issues have led to rampant corruption, insecurity, and poverty across the nation. “The dying democracy has brought about uncontrolled systemic corruption, a high level of insecurity, increasing poverty, and hardship,” Obi lamented.
As part of his campaign for the LP’s governorship candidate, Mr. Sola Ebiseni, in Saturday’s election, Obi urged the people of Ondo State to reject vote-buying and vote-selling.
He highlighted that such practices were fueled by stolen money, urging voters not to accept money from politicians who had exploited them.
“We don’t want people to give us money which they have stolen from us, and thereafter, they continue to steal more. We want to stop stealing and start rebuilding,” Obi declared.
In his own address, Ebiseni emphasized that the Labour Party represents a transformative alternative for the state.
He reminded the people of Ondo that the LP had previously governed the state from 2009 to 2017 under former Governor Olusegun Mimiko.
“Our programmes and policies and even projects are everywhere, and you know it. Everywhere you go to Ondo State, all the projects you see are in the colour of the dress I am wearing,” he said, referencing the LP’s signature orange color.
Ebiseni is competing against incumbent Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the APC, Agboola Ajayi of the PDP, and 14 other candidates in the upcoming governorship election.
