Rivers Crisis: Democracy Doesn’t Exist in Nigeria – Peter Obi Laments

Labour Party’s Peter Obi has expressed deep concerns over Nigeria’s democratic state, citing the ongoing Rivers crisis as proof of a failing system.

Peter Obi, the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), has voiced his dissatisfaction with the National Assembly’s decision to approve President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

Obi stated, “The parliamentary vote conducted yesterday clearly shows that true democracy does not exist in Nigeria.”

In a post on his X account on Friday, the former governor of Anambra State stated that democracy cannot flourish without an effective opposition.

This announcement follows the House of Representatives’ approval of President Tinubu’s state of emergency declaration in the state, despite strong opposition from many Nigerians.

The Senate also sanctioned the state of emergency in Rivers State, as declared by Tinubu.

The Red Chamber authorized a six-month suspension for Governor Sim Fubara, his deputy, and all elected officials of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

Obi argued that what remains for Nigerians is not a true democratic system but rather one that is transactional, compromised, and in many ways similar to organized crime.

He mentioned:

Yesterday’s parliamentary vote clearly illustrates that genuine democracy is absent in Nigeria. Without a functional opposition, democracy cannot flourish.

Opposition plays a vital role in any democratic system. It ensures accountability from the ruling party, advocates for proper governance, and provides alternative perspectives. However, effective opposition thrives best within systems that implement proportional representation—a method used by countries such as South Africa and Indonesia.

In South Africa, the National Assembly consists of 400 seats. The African National Congress (ANC) obtained roughly 40% of the vote, securing approximately 160 seats. Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA), with around 20% of the votes, holds about 80 seats, alongside various other parties. The individuals who participated in the presidential election continue to be acknowledged as leaders within their respective parties.

A comparable scenario can be observed in Indonesia and other nations that truly practice democracy. Typically, within these systems, laws prevent elected officials from changing parties without losing their seats. This enforces party discipline and upholds the integrity of the electoral mandate. Such mechanisms are vital for fostering a more balanced, accountable, and credible democratic process.

If such a scenario existed in Nigeria, the Senate—consisting of 109 seats—would more accurately reflect electoral outcomes. The APC would control 44 seats, while the PDP under Atiku’s leadership would hold 33, and my Labour Party would secure 27. Ideally, this balance should extend to the House of Representatives as well—with around 144 members from APC,108 from PDP , and about90 representing Labour Party However,this is not our reality due lack legislation preventing party defection Politicians can change loyalties without facing repercussions . This situation weakens opposition undermining voters’ choices Furthermore diminishes credibility within democratic structures

What remains is not a true democratic system but rather one that is transactional, compromised, and in many ways similar to organized crime. Without immediate reforms to solidify genuine democratic principles, strengthen party discipline, and guarantee fair representation, Nigeria’s democracy will continue to be fragile and ineffective.

“Nevertheless, we will not yield to crime. We shall persist in our battle for democracy—authentic democracy.”