Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has described Nigeria’s political parties as lawless and lacking the structures needed to deepen democracy in the country.
Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday at the public presentation of two political memoirs authored by veteran journalist Ike Abonyi, Obi decried the deteriorating state of political party systems in Nigeria, blaming political elites for wrecking institutions that ought to outlive them.
The books, titled “The Bubbles of Nigeria’s Democracy: The Musings of a Nigerian Journalist” and “Wadata Wonders: Memoirs of a Partisan Journalist”, drew top political figures and media veterans to the event.
Addressing the gathering, Obi said, “We are working hard to build that new Nigeria where political parties will be well-structured, law-abiding, and bigger than the government. Sadly, today, those of us who have had the opportunity to serve in government have contributed to the weakening of these parties.”
He lamented that most political platforms in Nigeria function merely as electoral vehicles rather than institutions with ideology, discipline, and longevity.
Obi called on journalists, especially those with a deep understanding of the political system, to document Nigeria’s democratic journey for public enlightenment.
“I thank those who are writing. Let us remain committed to building that new Nigeria,” he added.
Also speaking at the event, former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Uche Secondus, echoed Obi’s sentiments, stressing the urgent need for Nigeria to adopt a sustainable and institutionalised party system.
“We need to build parties that will last 30, 40, even 50 years. That’s how to entrench democracy. Right now, we’re like a country in the wilderness, searching for where to settle,” Secondus said.
He added that the country’s challenges are too enormous to be handled by individuals, stressing the need for collective action by citizens to salvage Nigeria’s democratic future.
The event doubled as a call to action for political reform, with speakers advocating for a shift from personality-driven politics to issue-based and ideology-grounded party politics.
Both books launched at the event offer insights into Nigeria’s political evolution and the role of the media and politicians in shaping—or distorting—democratic values.
The event brought together key political figures, media professionals, and civil society actors committed to a reimagined political future for Nigeria.
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