Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has declared that democracy in Nigeria has collapsed under the All Progressives Congress (APC) government.
He urged Nigerians to shift their focus towards rebuilding the country rather than dwelling on the failures of the current administration.
Speaking on the state of governance at an event, Obi compared Nigeria’s democratic journey to a building project, stating that while previous governments made efforts to develop the system, the current administration has destroyed the foundation.
“They started in 1999 and laid the foundation. Some tried to build on it, but others came and knocked everything down. That’s the situation we are in now—everything has collapsed, and nothing works,” he said.
Recalling his personal political experiences, Obi reflected on how his tenure as Anambra State governor began with a historic court victory. He emphasized that he never had to pay bribes or influence the judiciary, noting that such transparency is nearly impossible in today’s Nigeria.
“I became a governor through the court when Obasanjo and Atiku were in government. I didn’t pay one naira. I was sitting in my office when the court declared me the winner. That kind of justice is rare today,” he said.
READ ALSO: “Anyone Who Overstays Their Visa Will Face Criminal Prosecution, Permanent Ban,” US Warns Nigerians
Obi also narrated how, during his impeachment, then-President Olusegun Obasanjo intervened to prevent it, a stark contrast to the present situation where, according to him, the presidency now orchestrates the removal of governors.
“Back then, the president was calling me, asking if I was okay, even when I was impeached. But today, the president is the one engineering the impeachment of governors,” he added.
He also shared how the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua personally reached out to congratulate him after the court reinstated him as governor, even ensuring his safe return to Nigeria.
“When the court ruled in my favour, President Yar’Adua called me in London and asked when I was returning. He even sent military personnel to receive me at the airport. Now, a president will ask you not to return at all,” Obi remarked.
Concluding his speech, Obi stressed that instead of lamenting over the current state of affairs, Nigerians should focus on finding solutions to rebuild the country’s democracy.
“It has collapsed, so let’s not dwell on that. Let’s talk about how we are going to rebuild it,” he urged.
Follow Parallel Facts on WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCQSAoHgZWiDjR3Kn2E
