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• Shettima stresses the need for transparent leadership in strengthening democracy
• Bawumia highlights weakening institutions as a threat to democracy
Tayo Busayo, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi has made it clear that he is not interested in any coalition aimed at seizing power in the 2027 elections. Obi, who has been at the center of speculation regarding a possible political alliance with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), asserted his position at the National Conference on ‘Strengthening Democracy in Nigeria’ held in Abuja on Monday.
In his remarks, Obi emphasized that the most pressing issue for Nigeria is not political power struggles, but the well-being of the country’s citizens. He pointed out that Nigeria is currently facing significant socio-economic challenges, including widespread poverty, and that discussions should focus on securing the future of Nigerians, not on forming coalitions for the sole purpose of grabbing power. “For me, what is important is let’s discuss Nigeria. Whether we are going to do coalition…let’s talk about the future of the country,” Obi said, stressing the need to prioritize the common person and address issues like security and education.
Obi also criticized the monetization of politics in Nigeria, calling for an end to practices that enable the corruption of the political process. He argued that when politicians steal public money and use it to secure political power, it creates a cycle of corruption that undermines the integrity of the system.
At the same conference, Vice-President Kashim Shettima, represented by Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, his Special Adviser on Political Matters, The vice-president, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Political Matters, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, said the conference was holding at a time when democracy as a system of government was being challenged the world over to reveal its essence and its claim to represent the only system which is funded on the non negotiable right of all people to choose who governs them freely and hold leaders accountable.
He pointed out that Nigeria’s position regarding the fate of democracy in Africa, particularly in the neighbourhood, is to respect the sovereignty of peoples and encourage a return to democracy, because citizens in this country desire that.
Shettima stated: “Our failure to prioritise the learning of history means that older generations, who appreciate the superiority of democratic systems over others, have the honourable task for creating a democratic system that speaks for itself in terms of impact only on the lives of citizens as a huge responsibility.
“Nigeria’s democracy must mean a lot more than asking Nigerians to line up every four years to elect leaders. It must mean, in practical terms, that leaders commit to the demands of elected leadership in very transparent manners.
“That mandates giving to them to govern, make themselves to people, to the interests of the people, custodians of their assets and protectors of their interests. The best leaders are people who exercise power only to promote the interests of their people.”
The vice-president stressed that these interests included making laws that are consistent with the economic welfare and security of the citizen.
Shettima noted that the challenge for the leaders in democratic system is to lead with a vision which identifies a path and a destination that ultimately benefits the citizen, even where some have legitimate reservations or have issues with them.
He said: “I would like to assure Nigerians that our administration is acutely aware of many concerns over our direction goals, particularly given the difficulties with some of our policies inevitably generated.
“We are involved in correcting many defects in our economy and approaches securing the citizens. We have been honest to admit that this transition from a broken past to the promising future will not be without a price, and we remain focused on easing the pain and ensuring that we do not take our eyes off our goals.
“We will listen and adjust where necessary and account for our stewardship in all manners challenging our democratic system demands.”
Shettima assured Nigerians that they would would reap the benefits of the current situation, saying Nigeria shall rise again.
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, former Vice-President of Ghana, also addressed the conference, stressing the importance of strong democratic institutions in ensuring that democracy delivers inclusive opportunities. He warned against the weakening of such institutions, which he identified as essential to protecting citizens' rights and ensuring accountability.
Bawumia pointed out that partisan and ethnic interests often undermine the effectiveness of these institutions, leading to a deterioration in public confidence in the democratic process.
Prof. Jibrin Ibrahim, a political analyst, also contributed to the discussion, focusing on the challenges facing democracy in Nigeria. He noted that political parties in the country have lost their identity, with leaders increasingly imposing their personal interests rather than representing the people’s needs. This lack of commitment to democratic principles has resulted in growing apathy among the electorate, making it harder for citizens to engage meaningfully in the democratic process.
The conference, organized by several prominent organizations including the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development and the Centre for Democracy and Development, underscored the need for Nigeria’s political leaders to commit to good governance and political integrity, as the country looks ahead to the 2027 elections.
