At the launch of Demonstration of Craze, a book on Nigeria’s democratic struggles, activist Omoyele Sowore dropped a bombshell—declaring Nigeria’s system a “morontocracy” (rule by morons). But former Edo Governor Adams Oshiomhole fired back, defending incremental progress. Their clash revealed the deep fractures in how Nigeria’s elites view democracy itself.
- Sowore’s Fury: The AAC leader blasted Nigeria’s democracy as hijacked by “charlatans,” citing rigged elections and persecution of activists.
- Oshiomhole’s Rebuttal: The APC senator acknowledged flaws but urged hope: “The gap between where we are and where we ought to be should inspire us, not break us.”
- Historical Wounds: Ex-lawmaker Uche Onyeagocha revealed how activists’ 1999 boycott created a vacuum filled by “brigands” now in power.
- Youth Crisis: Panelists agreed, today’s student unions lack the fire of past movements that fought military rule.
- Environmental Toll: Nimmo Bassey linked shrinking life expectancy (41 years in Niger Delta) to unchecked oil pollution.
When even democracy’s defenders call it “craze,” who still believes in the system? The debate mirrors national frustration; elections feel like “selections,” yet disengagement only empowers the same political class.
