Presidential candidate of the Labour Party for the February 25 general election, Peter Obi, has said that the current state of politics is an indication that democracy is deeply troubled in the country.
Obi in his 2023 Democracy Day Message, said nation’s destiny is uncertain and precarious. He said that Nigeria remains a nation in search of solutions to too many basic problems.
According to former governor of Anambra State, one of the things the country is in search of is a credible electoral system that would command the trust, confidence and belief of all Nigerians just like June 12 did.
Obi said, “We should, therefore, use the commemoration of June 12 as an occasion to return to the true virtues of a truly democratic nation. We achieved that feat on June 12, 1993.
“In the spirit of June 12, therefore, we need to emplace an electoral system that commands the trust of the people. This is in recognition of the tenets and core values of democracy, which rests on respect for the wishes of the people as expressed in their ballots.
“Above all, government must respect and protect the institutions of the democratic state by respecting the social contract with the people by meeting their needs, obeying their wishes and fulfilling the responsibilities of responsible governance as contained in the constitution. A cardinal responsibility of government in this regard is respect for the rule off law.
“Regrettably, we are now in an era where these foundational pillars of democracy are undermined by prevalent impunity and pervasive violence and bloodletting.
“The trust deficit between the leaders and Nigerians continues to expand. The deficits of trust and efficiency in our last elections demonstrate this malady quite boldly.
“The challenge of June 12 and a dedicated Democracy Day is to inspire us to correct the errors of our recent elections. This is the surest way to restore the confidence of our people in the future of our nation and the promise of true democracy.”
Obi urged all Nigerians not to lose faith in the inbuilt design of democratic system in the country.
“Personally, I remain committed and convinced that a New Nigeria is Possible. Our aspiration for a nation of equity, justice, security and peace can hardly be utopia. We are a nation blessed richly with human and natural resources.
“What we lack, are selfless leaders who are committed to national interest, sustainable development and innovative thinking that offers every Nigerian irrespective of ethnicity, religion or social strata, the freedom of choice of abode, and protection lives, property and ordered liberties.
“These aspirations are real and achievable; and I hereby reiterate my promise to Nigerians that we will not relent in our fight to bring about a leadership that will accord them the priority they deserve.
“Let me, therefore, on behalf of Labour Party and the Obidient Movement across the globe wish all Nigerians a happy democracy day,” he said.
