Prominent Nigerian leaders have voiced concerns over the state of democracy in the country, asserting that it has not effectively served the people. Speaking at the 60th birthday celebration of former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha, in Abuja, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, and Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, shared their perspectives on the challenges facing Nigeria’s democratic system.

Obasanjo argued that the Western model of democracy is not suited to African societies, asserting that democracy in Africa has failed because it does not align with the continent’s cultural values. He emphasised the need for a system that reflects African realities rather than one imposed from outside. According to him, democracy should be about addressing the needs of the people, yet what currently exists is far removed from that ideal. He noted that representative democracy has not effectively taken care of everyone and called for a redefinition of democracy to make it more relevant to African societies.

Peter Obi also expressed dissatisfaction with the current democratic system, stating that it has collapsed under the present administration. Citing his own political experiences, he recalled how he had to fight to reclaim his mandate after being impeached as Governor of Anambra State, yet he did so without resorting to bribery. He lamented that such fairness in governance is no longer possible in today’s Nigeria. Obi emphasised that democracy in the country had been making progress since 1999, but recent developments have reversed those gains. He called for Nigeria to adopt a proportional representation system similar to that of Indonesia to ensure fairer representation in governance.

Bishop Matthew Kukah highlighted the challenges posed by the politicisation of religion in Nigeria, stating that it has become a tool for division and conflict rather than unity. He pointed out that democracy is a continuous process that requires constant refinement. Comparing democracy to religious scriptures, he noted that no constitution is perfect, just as the Bible and the Quran remain infallible but do not prevent people from committing sins. He stressed that democracy must be about justice and fairness and called for urgent reforms to address the shortcomings in Nigeria’s democratic process.

Aminu Tambuwal echoed similar sentiments, acknowledging that democracy in Nigeria is still a work in progress. However, he emphasised that its success depends on political leaders playing by the rules. Recalling the declaration of a state of emergency under former President Obasanjo’s administration, he contrasted it with recent developments and stressed the importance of ensuring that democratic institutions function properly. He asserted that for democracy to thrive, bad actors must be held accountable and removed from the system.

Other notable figures at the event, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Emeka Anyaoku, reflected on the history of democracy in Nigeria and the need for constitutional reforms. Anyaoku emphasised the importance of true federalism as a solution to many of Nigeria’s governance challenges, stating that stable democratic governance is necessary for national development.

The celebrant, Emeka Ihedioha, expressed gratitude to those present and reaffirmed his commitment to democracy. He urged Nigerians to defend democratic principles and speak truth to power. According to him, democracy is not just about acquiring political power but ensuring that governance serves the people effectively.

The discussion at the event underscored the growing concerns about the state of democracy in Nigeria, with leaders from different political backgrounds calling for urgent reforms to address governance failures and ensure that democracy truly works for the people.