By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA – (PRECISE POST) A former presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has raised fresh concerns over the state of Nigeria’s democracy and its disconnect from economic growth, warning that the nation is falling short in critical areas of development.
Obi made the remarks Saturday on his X handle after attending the launch of a landmark report by the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation titled “Strengthening the Nexus Between Democracy and Economic Growth in Nigeria.”
Precise Post recalls that the event, which featured extensive panel discussions, brought together policymakers, experts, and stakeholders to examine the country’s democratic and economic trajectory.
According to Obi, the report went beyond presenting statistics, highlighting deep-rooted failures in key sectors such as healthcare, education, and poverty alleviation. He noted that despite years of democratic governance, the expected improvements in citizens’ welfare have not materialized.
He lamented that over the past decade, Nigeria’s democratic progress has weakened while the economic well-being of its people has continued to decline, describing the situation as a troubling paradox for Africa’s largest democracy.
A major takeaway from the discussions, Obi said, was the urgent need to reform Nigeria’s leadership recruitment process. He stressed that for democracy to deliver tangible benefits, leaders must emerge based on competence, capacity, compassion, character, and a genuine commitment to public service.
The former Anambra State governor also emphasized the importance of strengthening institutions, noting that democratic success depends on systems that are independent, accountable, and responsive to the needs of the people.
He called for renewed efforts to rebuild public trust in governance, enforce discipline in leadership, and ensure that government policies translate into measurable improvements in citizens’ lives.
Reiterating his long-standing position on national transformation, Obi concluded with a note of optimism, asserting that with the right leadership and reforms, “a new Nigeria is possible.”
