Former Anambra State Governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has raised concerns over what he described as the growing deterioration of democracy in Africa, using Nigeria as a case study.

Obi spoke after attending the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation dialogue in Bauchi State, themed, “Beyond Elections: Can Political Parties and the Judiciary Save African Democracy?”

He said he attended the dialogue for the fifth time at the invitation of former President Goodluck Jonathan, whom he commended for his commitment to building a better Nigeria and Africa.

He also praised former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who chaired the event, for his contributions to peace, unity and justice across the continent, while commending the Bauchi State Government for hosting the dialogue.

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According to Obi, his contribution to the discussion focused on his concern that African democracy, particularly in Nigeria, has deteriorated to a level where the country may soon reach a point where it can no longer meaningfully claim to practise democracy.

Obi recalled his experience when he challenged the outcome of an election in court, saying the judiciary at the time demonstrated the independence expected of an arm of government by upholding the law and restoring what he described as the will of the people.

“I recalled how I approached the courts when I believed my mandate had been stolen in Anambra. At that time, the judiciary demonstrated the independence expected of an arm of government,” Obi said.

He contrasted that experience with what he described as the current situation where politicians accused of violating the law often tell their opponents to seek redress in court.

“Today, however, those who break the law are often the first to tell you to ‘go to court,’” he stated.

Obi also criticised the country’s electoral management system, alleging that the electoral body is increasingly accused of enabling electoral malpractice and the emergence of candidates who, according to him, either do not meet the requirements for office or lack the mandate of the people.

He further expressed concern over changes to electoral laws, saying lawmakers had removed forgery as an electoral offence.

The former governor also questioned the conduct of some legal practitioners and religious leaders, alleging that some senior lawyers defend or normalise actions that should ordinarily attract condemnation, while some religious leaders pray for political actors accused of misappropriating public resources.

Obi said the most troubling development was the alleged perception that some members of the judiciary had become politically aligned.

“When the very institutions established to protect democracy begin to accommodate its destruction, we must stop pretending that everything is normal,” he said.

He called for sober reflection and honest assessment of the state of Nigeria’s democratic institutions, citing Greek philosopher Socrates’ assertion that “the unexamined life is not worth living.”

Obi urged Nigerians to examine the country’s democratic journey and take urgent steps to reverse what he described as institutional decay.

“We must halt this drift towards institutional decay and redirect our attention towards building a country that we and the generations that come after us, can be proud of,” he said.

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