Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has strongly criticized the state of democracy in Nigeria. Obi expressed concern over the lack of an effective opposition in the National Assembly, arguing that what currently exists is transactional politics rather than true democracy.
Obi noted that a functioning democracy requires a strong opposition to challenge the ruling party, hold it accountable, and provide alternative ideas. However, he lamented that Nigeria’s political system does not support such a structure. He pointed to the recent vote in the National Assembly, which endorsed President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of Emergency Rule in Rivers State, as proof that democracy in the country is weak.
He explained that in many democracies around the world, such as South Africa and Indonesia, the opposition plays a key role in governance. In these countries, proportional representation ensures that the political system reflects the true voting patterns of the people. Obi noted that in South Africa, for example, the African National Congress (ANC), despite winning about 40% of the vote, holds only 160 of the 400 seats in the National Assembly, while the opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) holds around 80 seats.
Obi also pointed out that in these countries, elected officials are not allowed to switch parties without losing their seats. This helps maintain discipline within political parties and ensures that election results are respected. He argued that if Nigeria had similar laws, the country’s National Assembly would look very different.
The statement reads. “Opposition is a critical pillar of any democratic system. It ensures that the right things are done, holds the ruling party accountable, and offers alternative viewpoints. However, an effective opposition can only exist within a system that supports proportional representation—an approach practised in countries like South Africa and Indonesia.
“In South Africa, for example, the National Assembly has 400 seats. The African National Congress (ANC) received about 40% of the vote and holds approximately 160 seats, while the Democratic Alliance (DA), with about 20% of the vote, holds around 80 seats—alongside several other parties. Those who contested the presidential election remain the recognised leaders of their respective parties.
“A similar situation exists in Indonesia and other countries where democracy is genuinely practised. As is the norm in such systems, laws prohibit elected officials from switching parties without forfeiting their seats. This helps maintain party discipline and preserves the sanctity of the electoral mandate. These mechanisms contribute to a more balanced, accountable, and credible democratic process.
“If that were the case in Nigeria, our Senate—comprising 109 seats—would be more reflective of electoral realities, with the APC holding 44 seats, the PDP 33 (under the leadership of Atiku), and the Labour Party 27 (under my leadership). Ideally, the House of Representatives should mirror this balance, with approximately 144 APC members, 108 PDP members, and 90 Labour Party members. But this is far from the case. The absence of laws restricting party defection allows politicians to switch allegiances freely and without consequence. This not only weakens the opposition but also makes a mockery of the electorate’s will and undermines the integrity of our democratic institutions.
“What we are left with is not a genuine democratic system, but one that is transactional, compromised, and, in many respects, resembles organised criminality. Unless we urgently implement reforms to entrench true democratic principles, enforce party discipline, and ensure fair representation, Nigeria’s democracy will remain fragile and dysfunctional.
“But we will not surrender to criminality. We shall continue to fight for democracy—genuine democracy.”
