Peter Obi, a former Labour Party presidential candidate, has rejected any role in a coalition against All Progressives Congress and incumbent President Bola Tinubu in 2027.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
Speaking to reporters on the fringes of a two-day National Conference on Strengthening Democracy in Nigeria, Obi provided the explanation Monday in Abuja. Investigations showed that some leaders of the ruling All Progressives Congress and the main opposition parties have been negotiating the formation of a coalition to overthrow the APC.
According to the former governor of Anambra State, governments should prioritize ending poverty, improving public hospitals and schools, and ensuring the safety of people and property. “Well, what matters to me is that we talk about Nigeria,” he remarked. Whether we form a coalition or not, let’s discuss the nation’s future. Too often, we neglect the nation and its needs while discussing power grabs.
“I have no interest in forming a coalition with the intention of seizing power. It is about talking about Nigeria.How is protecting Nigerians important to us? How do we in Nigeria care about the average person? How do we care about our kids attending school? Right now, that is the most crucial factor. Obi also demanded coordinated action to prevent political bribery.
We must eliminate that as you are inadvertently promoting the embezzlement of public funds. “Because I will gain all the power and everything, including immunity from prosecution, if I steal it and use it to win an election.” So we have to put an end to it. That is the motivation for the theft.
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the former vice president of the Republic of Ghana and the New Patriotic Party’s presidential candidate in the country’s most recent general election, gave his keynote address on the topic of “Strengthening Nigeria’s Democracy: Pathway To Good Governance And Political Integrity.” He noted that the destruction of state institutions is a major threat to democracy.
“Mr. Chairman, the quality of institutions—institutions that can protect rights, including property rights, and prevent wanton abuse of power—is one of the most important determinants of a flourishing democracy,” he stated. The Judiciary, the Ombudsman, the Police, various law enforcement organizations, the Independent Election Management body, and many more are examples of these institutions.
Prominent economists like Dani Rodrick, Daron Acemolgu, and others have firmly concluded that the quality of institutions is the most important factor in determining growth. “Unfortunately, these institutions are deteriorating and in danger of being destroyed while the culture of peacefully electing leaders is being solidified.”
As he pointed out that voters are starting to lose faith in representative government, the former presidential candidate also voiced concern about the rising levels of poverty in the West African subregion and, consequently, the continent as a threat to democracy. “What I call the Next Meal is one of the biggest threats to democracy today,” he remarked. The famous Nelson Mandela, one of Africa’s finest sons, once said, “As long as poverty, injustice, and gross inequality exist in our world, none of us can truly rest.” I must echo this statement before I make my argument.
Democracy must serve as a tool to achieve a goal, ladies and gentlemen. The most successful democracies are those that provide public goods and services in an efficient manner, give citizens opportunity, and make a concerted effort to ensure that no one is left behind. The statistics indicates that we do not have the option of doing nothing for Sub-Saharan Africa. According to a 2024 World Bank forecast, Sub-Saharan Africa is home to two-thirds of the world’s population living in extreme poverty.
According to the World Bank’s 2024 report, over 50% of Nigerians are living in multifaceted poverty at home. Nigeria and a large portion of Sub-Saharan Africa have a lot of work ahead of them. To show that governing entails promoting the interests and welfare of the populace, we must act decisively.We must reorganize our institutions, procedures, and economic systems so that the majority of our people prioritize their next meal. For far too long, the emphasis has been on fulfilling the requirements of democratic institutions, often at the expense of what such institutions can offer the average citizen.
“Any data on democratic progress is unlikely to be appreciated by someone who cannot afford the next ‘Eba’ meal.” “Ladies and gentlemen, the public is becoming increasingly concerned about the value and relevance of government institutions, and many are beginning to lose faith in them. “If we don’t step up and act swiftly, this is worrisome and foretells a dismal future for democratic sustenance.”Actors must make sure that citizens trust the democratic system to handle their wants and concerns, especially basic requirements, which I refer to as the “next meal principle,” if our democracy is to be durable and relevant.
Professor Jibrin Ibrahim lamented the lack of ideologically grounded parties in his study, “Democracy in Nigeria: Challenges, Prospects and the 2027 Elections,” claiming that this leaves the people uninterested and perplexed and vulnerable to political platforms controlled by drug lords and warlords. The way the party system has evolved poses the biggest threat, he stated.
The main feature is that parties are dominated by barons and warlords who enforce their interests rather than having members. Our current political parties have become less distinct in terms of their platforms and core beliefs. “Democratic commitment is impossible the moment people are unable to recognize the values of the parties.
“A state in which they (political parties) are not dedicated to democratic principles.” The actual result is a rise in indifference. Since power has been taken away from the people, they no longer have the ability to exert it. The problem of apathy is brought on by it.
“The idea that Nigerians can regain their political power through the ballot must be resurrected.” Vice President Kashim Shettima, speaking through Alhaji Hakeem Baba Ahmed, encouraged those in charge of governing to uphold the aspirations of the people by safeguarding their interests in his message of goodwill.
He insisted that democracy will be protected from military dictatorship by open government and sincere attention to the concerns of the populace. “Elected leaders in Nigeria bear a great responsibility to promote our democracy in terms of the quality of governance, as well as their behavior and attitude toward the rule of law and respect for the welfare and security of citizens,” he continued.
“Asking Nigerians to line up every four years to choose their leaders must not be the only aspect of Nigerian democracy. Practically speaking, it must imply that leaders serve the interests of the people, are stewards of their resources, and defend those interests by transparently adhering to the responsibilities of elected leadership.
“The most effective leaders use their position of authority solely to advance the interests of their constituents. These interests include enacting laws that support citizens’ economic security and well-being, ensuring that the judiciary is free from corruption and interference, ensuring that institutions and structures of governance operate with the utmost efficiency and integrity, ensuring that citizens’ voices are heard and respected outside of election cycles, and upholding the fundamental principles of competition between parties and interests.
“In democratic systems, the challenge for leaders is to guide with a vision that identifies a course and destination that ultimately benefit the citizens, even in cases where some have valid concerns or reservations about them.” “Given the challenges that some of our policies invariably create, I would like to reassure Nigerians that our administration is well aware of the numerous concerns regarding our direction and goals.”CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
