Wike, Obi Differ on Democracy, Economy
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Wike, Obi Differ on Democracy, Economy
Mohammed Ibrahim Abdullahi
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has faulted what he described as the growing perception that democracy in Nigeria is only credible when prominent opposition figures participate in elections.
Speaking on the state of the nation’s democracy, Wike said it was misleading to define democratic credibility by the involvement of opposition parties or political personalities.
“To Nigerians now, the only way democracy is active is when ADC and NDC participate in the election. Democracy in Nigeria is now defined as the participation of Peter Obi and Atiku. That’s the level we’ve taken ourselves to,” he said.
The minister argued that democracy should instead be assessed based on the strength of electoral institutions and the conduct of elections, rather than the participation of specific political parties or individuals.
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According to him, reducing Nigeria’s democratic process to the involvement of a few political actors undermines the broader principles of representative governance.
Meanwhile, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi, has raised concerns over Nigeria’s economic situation, alleging that many entrepreneurs who once operated thriving businesses before President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office are now struggling to survive.
In a statement shared on social media, Obi said the prevailing economic realities had forced many business owners to abandon their previous ventures and take up petty trading.
“Many business owners who were thriving before Tinubu came into office are now selling kuli-kuli just to survive in today’s Nigeria,” he said.
The former Anambra State governor’s remarks come amid sustained public debate over the impact of the Federal Government’s economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira.
While the Federal Government has maintained that the policies are necessary to stabilise the economy and attract long-term investment, Obi argued that they have fuelled inflation, increased the cost of living and placed greater pressure on businesses and households.
Obi has repeatedly urged the Federal Government to adopt policies that prioritise production, strengthen small and medium-sized enterprises and address the growing economic hardship facing Nigerians.
