Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate for the 2023 elections, has declared that Nigeria’s democracy has collapsed due to the actions of the current leaders governing the country.
Obi made this statement during the 60th birthday celebration and colloquium held in honour of Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and former governor of Imo State.
“They started in 1999, laying the foundation; some came along and raised it to a deck, others attempted to take it to the first floor, but then it was all knocked down by others.
“That’s the reality we face today. Everything has been demolished; nothing functions. I speak from experience. I became governor through the courts. When (former) President (Olusegun) Obasanjo and Atiku (Abubakar) were in power, I didn’t pay the courts a single naira. I was at home when the court declared me the winner.
“That simply cannot happen in Nigeria today. During my impeachment process, the president sent people to advocate for me. Ken Nnamani came to plead with the House not to impeach me. In contrast, today, the president himself initiates impeachments. Back then, I was in APGA and they were in PDP, yet they came to my house asking me not to be impeached.
“They were pleading with me while President Obasanjo called to check if I was alright. Even after my impeachment, he reached out to ensure I was safe,” Obi recounted.
He also noted that upon his return from court, after being declared the winner against Andy Uba, the late President (Umaru) Yar’adua called him in London, urging him to come back.
“I told the president I couldn’t return, as he knew the risks involved. But he insisted, asking me for my flight details. When I arrived, it was the first time military personnel welcomed me at the airport.
“I was astonished. They took me directly to Yar’adua. Today, the current president would instruct that he be told not to return. So he has failed. Let’s focus on rebuilding, as everything is collapsing,” Obi concluded.
The event, chaired by former President Obasanjo, also welcomed notable figures including former Commonwealth Secretary-General Emeka Anyaoku, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, former Sokoto State Governor Senator Aminu Tambuwal, and the immediate past governor of Katsina, Hon. Aminu Masari.
During the event, Atiku remarked on Ihedioha’s loyalty, stating, “Emeka and I have maintained our relationship despite occasionally finding ourselves on opposing political platforms. He has consistently proven himself to be extremely loyal, dedicated, and focused, which speaks to the kind of person Emeka truly is.”
