Rivers: National Assembly proved Nigeria lacks true democracy, says Peter Obi

A former presidential candidate Peter Obi has criticised the vote of approval given by the National Assembly concerning the state of emergency declared in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu.

In a statement on Friday, Obi said the vote clearly demonstrated that democracy, in its true sense, does not exist in Nigeria, adding that where there is no functional opposition, democracy cannot thrive.

He said opposition is a critical pillar of any democratic system because 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,” he said.

“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.”

He said what is left is not a genuine democratic system, but one that is transactional, compromised, and, in many respects, resembles organised criminality.

According to Obi, unless Nigeria urgently implements reforms to entrench true democratic principles, enforce party discipline, and ensure fair representation, the country’s democracy will remain fragile and dysfunctional.

“But we will not surrender to criminality. We shall continue to fight for democracy—genuine democracy,” he said.