Democracy at a Crossroads as Political Leaders, Activists Raise Alarm Over Governance Failures
By Vanguard News | March 28, 2025
Nigeria’s democracy is facing one of its most challenging moments, with political leaders, traditional rulers, and activists from the South-South region supporting former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and Bishop Matthew Kukah’s assertion that the democratic system in Nigeria is failing.
This outcry follows what they describe as growing autocracy, constitutional violations, and an erosion of democratic principles under the current administration. While many prominent figures agree with Obasanjo’s concerns, others believe democracy is still alive, albeit struggling.
Nigeria’s Democracy: Lost or Hijacked?
King Dodo II of Bilabiri Kingdom, speaking to Vanguard, declared, “Democracy no longer exists in Nigeria. What we have now is autocracy. The 1999 Constitution does not recognize administrators, yet look at what is happening in Rivers State. Elections have lost their meaning in Nigeria.”
Former House of Representatives member Hon. Ogbonna Nwuke reinforced this stance, stating that the collapse of democratic institutions has enabled the manipulation of elections and governance. According to Nwuke, “It is only in Nigeria that a sitting, elected governor can be removed through the back door.”
He further condemned the National Assembly’s use of a voice vote to suspend a governor, a move he described as “the height of impunity and a clear sign that democracy is failing.”
“We Are Sliding Into Dictatorship” – Activists Raise Alarm
Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe, a respected elder statesman, warned that Nigeria’s democratic system is tilting towards dictatorship, risking military intervention.
“Democracy is threatened because our leaders no longer obey the constitution,” he said. “The rule of law is no longer in place. The president is violating the constitution repeatedly, and if he doesn’t retrace his steps, we are heading for disaster.”
Similarly, Oghenejabor Ikimi, Chairman of the Centre for the Vulnerable and Underprivileged (CENTREP), called Nigeria’s democracy a mere facade, stating, “The last general elections were not elections but a power grab. What we have now is a coup in disguise.”
Eric Omare, former President of the Ijaw Youth Congress (IYC), also emphasized that the future of democracy in Nigeria depends on strong opposition and courageous leadership, adding, “Nigerians must insist on the rule of law and due process, or democracy will die completely.”
Opposing Views: Democracy is Alive But Weak
However, some political analysts and leaders have dismissed claims that democracy is dead. Elder statesman Joseph Ambakederimo countered Obasanjo’s statements, saying, “Democracy is still alive, but the problem is with the politicians.”
Zik Gbemre, a Niger Delta activist, criticized Obasanjo, arguing that he contributed to Nigeria’s democratic failures. “Obasanjo himself undermined democracy. He should not pretend to be a saint today.”
Former Senate Chief Whip Roland Owie also disagreed with the notion that democracy is dead. He blamed the decline on former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration and expressed hope that Nigeria’s democratic structure could be revived by 2027.
“Democracy has not failed in Nigeria. What has failed is good governance. If we elect the right leaders in 2027, democracy will be restored,” Owie stated.
“It’s Not Democracy, It’s a Power Grab”
Legal experts and governance advocates argue that Nigeria’s political system is merely an illusion of democracy. Barrister Iniruo Wills of the Embasara Foundation described Nigeria’s governance structure as “a stillborn democracy operating under a military-era constitution.”
University lecturer Richard Eneli took it a step further, claiming that “Nigeria is now ruled by three individuals: Tinubu, Akpabio, and Wike. This is not democracy but a power-sharing arrangement among the elite.”
Meanwhile, activist Ovie Charles labeled Nigeria’s democracy a “mockery of governance”, insisting that electoral fraud and abuse of power have destroyed democratic processes.
What’s Next for Nigeria’s Democracy?
With governance failures becoming increasingly evident, many Nigerians are calling for urgent reforms to prevent a complete collapse of democratic institutions. Some advocate for a return to a parliamentary system, while others demand a total restructuring of the country.
One thing remains clear: unless meaningful changes occur, Nigeria’s democracy may continue to deteriorate, leading to further political instability.
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Conclusion
Nigeria stands at a critical juncture. Will the nation’s democracy be restored, or will it continue to decline under what critics describe as increasing authoritarian rule? The coming months and years will determine the fate of Africa’s most populous nation.
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