Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, on Friday attended the maiden convention of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Abuja, where he expressed concerns over what he described as the worsening state of democracy and governance in Nigeria.
Obi, who described the convention as successful, said the gathering reflected the determination of Nigerians to pursue political change despite prevailing challenges.
He commended the leadership of the NDC, led by Henry Seriake Dickson, for accommodating opposition voices during what he termed a critical moment in Nigeria’s political history.
The former Anambra State governor also acknowledged the support of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and its leadership, particularly former Senate President David Mark, for providing what he described as a democratic platform amid ongoing political and legal challenges affecting opposition parties.
According to Obi, recent developments in Nigeria indicate a growing erosion of democratic values, with increasing political intimidation, coercion, and suppression of opposition voices.
“What we are witnessing is not politics; it is a systematic assault on democracy and the will of the people,” he said.
The former presidential candidate warned that Nigeria was at a “dangerous crossroads,” citing insecurity, economic hardship, unemployment, and declining governance indicators as major concerns facing the country.
He lamented that millions of Nigerians were living in poverty while inflation, insecurity, and unemployment continued to worsen across the country.
Obi also criticised what he described as leadership failures and corruption, arguing that Nigeria’s challenges were the result of years of poor governance rather than a lack of resources.
“Nigeria is not a poor country; rather, we are being looted into poverty,” he stated.
He urged Nigerians to remain united and committed to rebuilding the country on the principles of justice, equity, competence, accountability, and productivity.
The convention comes amid ongoing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, with several opposition figures exploring new alliances and platforms.
