Peter Obi, former Labour Party presidential candidate, criticized Nigeria’s democratic system as transactional and lacking true opposition. He highlighted the absence of proportional representation as a weakness that distorts electoral outcomes and accountability. Obi advocates for reforms, emphasizing that without them, Nigeria’s democracy remains fragile and compromised.
Peter Obi, the former Labour Party presidential candidate, criticized Nigeria’s democratic framework, labeling it as transactional and deficient in genuine opposition. This critique followed a recent parliamentary vote that he argues revealed essential flaws in the nation’s democratic processes. In his statement, Obi asserted that the efficacy of democracy is contingent upon the existence of a functional opposition, which is currently lacking in Nigeria.
He emphasized that the absence of proportional representation within the legislature detracts from accountability and distorts electoral outcomes, stating, “Where there is no functional opposition, democracy cannot thrive. Opposition is a critical pillar of any democratic system.” Obi drew parallels between Nigeria and countries like South Africa and Indonesia, where proportional representation allows diverse parties to uphold their electoral mandates.
Obi provided examples from South Africa, noting that the African National Congress (ANC), which received approximately 40% of the vote, commands around 160 out of 400 parliamentary seats. He explained that laws in such political systems prevent elected officials from switching parties without losing their positions. This regulation helps maintain party discipline and protects the integrity of electoral mandates.
He suggested that if Nigeria adopted a similar proportional representation model, the Senate’s composition would better reflect electoral results. Currently, the All Progressives Congress (APC) occupies 44 seats, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) holds 33 seats, with the Labour Party retaining 27 seats. Obi disputed this configuration, highlighting the weakness introduced by the lack of laws against party defection, which undermines the opposition and disrespects the electorate’s choices.
He cautioned that without urgent reforms to strengthen party discipline and establish fair representation, Nigeria’s democratic system would remain unstable and ineffective. Obi lamented, “What we are left with is not a genuine democratic system, but one that is transactional, compromised, and, in many respects, resembles organised criminality.”
Obi expressed his unwavering commitment to advocating for necessary democratic reforms, stating, “But we will not surrender to criminality. We shall continue to fight for democracy—genuine democracy.”
In summary, Peter Obi has brought attention to critical issues within Nigeria’s democratic system, highlighting the necessity for reforms to establish a functional opposition and representative legislature. He draws comparisons with other nations to illustrate how proportional representation can enhance democracy. Obi’s commitment to advocating for reforms underscores the urgent need for systemic changes to ensure the integrity of Nigeria’s democracy.
Original Source: punchng.com
