Nigeria Presidency Fires Back at Peter Obi Over ‘Democracy Has Collapsed’ Remark

The presidency has rejected Peter Obi’s claim that Nigeria’s democracy has collapsed, with Bayo Onanuga calling it exaggerated and misleading. He argued that democracy remains strong and evolving. Obi, however, insists that democratic institutions are deteriorating under the current administration, sparking nationwide debate.

The presidency has pushed back against Peter Obi’s claim that Nigeria’s democracy is collapsing, with Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, calling the statement exaggerated and unfounded.

Onanuga, in a statement on X (formerly Twitter), criticized Obi’s comments made during a colloquium celebrating Emeka Ihedioha’s 60th birthday. He argued that Nigerian democracy remains strong and has progressively improved since 1999. He noted that Obi himself benefits from the free speech and political rights provided by the system, questioning how a democracy that allows such dissent could be labeled as collapsed.

“Only a discontented and disgruntled Peter, who enjoys the privileges of democracy, would see a democratic downfall where none exists,” Onanuga stated. He stressed that if Nigeria’s democracy had truly collapsed, Obi wouldn’t have had the platform to voice his opinions so freely.

Obi had previously expressed concerns that democratic institutions had eroded under the current administration, comparing his past political experiences—such as his impeachment and subsequent reinstatement by the courts—with what he views as a more hostile political climate today. However, Onanuga dismissed this comparison, warning Obi against what he described as “playing to the gallery” with sensational remarks.

As political tensions rise, Obi’s remarks have sparked debate among Nigerians, with supporters agreeing that governance is faltering, while government allies insist that democracy is not only intact but also evolving.