Abuja, Nigeria – Several former governors and notable Nigerians gathered on Monday to express deep concerns over the declining state of democracy in Nigeria. The event, held at the Abuja Intercontinental Hotel, marked the 60th birthday of former Governor of Imo State, Emeka Ihedioha, and featured notable figures including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, and Bishop Matthew Kukah of Sokoto Diocese.
In his keynote address titled ‘Is Democracy Failing in Africa?’, Bishop Kukah lamented that Nigeria’s democracy mainly benefits a select few, questioning the relevance of the current constitution and its implications for justice. He stated, “We inherited a system that is not ours, yet we must find a way to make it work for us. It’s about justice—without it, democracy will always be under threat.”
Kukah elaborated on the pressure judges face during elections, sharing, “At the last election, I received calls from people urging me to intervene. There is significant pressure on judges to deliver justice.”
Former President Obasanjo echoed these sentiments, arguing that the current model of democracy implemented in Africa does not reflect the people’s needs or cultural realities. He criticized the adoption of Western-style democracy without adequate modifications to cater to African contexts. “Abraham Lincoln said democracy should be government of the people, by the people, and for the people. But what we have today is not serving everyone,” he said.
Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, disagreed with Kukah’s notion of progress in democracy, reflecting on his personal experiences with political struggles. He remarked, “I became Governor through the court when Obasanjo was in power. Today, such circumstances would be improbable.” He recounted how he felt overwhelmed during his impeachment crisis compared to how interventions were handled in the past.
Obi further illustrated the weak state of democracy by citing how past leaders intervened on his behalf, which seems impossible in today’s political climate. “Now, the President would personally advocate for my impeachment,” he lamented.
In a different light, Atiku praised Ihedioha for his steadfastness across party lines, emphasizing the importance of loyalty in politics, even amidst differing allegiances. He stated, “Despite our political differences, Ihedioha has always been loyal and dedicated.”
Aminu Tambuwal, former governor of Sokoto State, highlighted the potential for democracy to thrive if all political actors commit to the early fundamental principles. He criticized the recent state of emergency imposed in Rivers State and lamented the disregard for constitutional processes in such matters.
Chief Emeka Anyaoku, a former Commonwealth Secretary-General, advocated for the revision of the 1999 Constitution, stating that it must address several national challenges to maintain Nigeria’s stature internationally. He remarked, “True federalism is crucial to tackling our governance issues.”
In closing, Emeka Ihedioha, the celebrant, called for unity among Nigerians to rebuild the country’s democracy, maintaining that it requires collective effort and commitment from all citizens to foster meaningful changes.
