Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has warned that Nigeria’s democracy is facing grave danger, lamenting that it has been hijacked by the elite and reduced to a tool for state capture.

Obi made the remarks on Wednesday while delivering a keynote address at the 2025 Goodluck Jonathan Foundation Annual Democracy Dialogue in Accra, Ghana, themed “What Makes Democracy Die?”

In a statement issued by his media aide, Valentine Obienyem, the former Anambra State governor said democracy should be rooted in accountability, service to the people, security, education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation. He, however, regretted that Nigeria’s democratic practice has drifted from these ideals.

“Democracy in Nigeria is under threat because it no longer serves the people or holds leaders accountable,” Obi said. “Regrettably, it has been reduced to a tool for elite state capture, granting access to public resources for private and family interests.”

He stressed that democracy fails when leaders neglect citizens’ needs and institutions abandon accountability. “Nigeria is a typical example of this tragic reality,” he added.

Despite his concerns, Obi expressed optimism that the country can be rebuilt. He urged Nigerians to take elections seriously by voting only for leaders with competence, capacity, character, compassion, and commitment to service.

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