Funmi Ogundare
A renowned essayist and public affairs analyst, Prof. Anthony Kila, has described the political choices of former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, as ‘materially understandable but morally questionable’, warning that Nigeria’s democracy is becoming increasingly fragile.
Kila made this known recently at the Cambridge African Round Table, an international platform that convenes analysts, diplomats, scholars, corporate executives and public leaders.
According to him, Obi’s search for a viable political platform ahead of future elections was politically realistic and understandable.
“As a politician seeking to be on the ballot, he needs a viable platform to ensure he can run for office,” Kila said, describing the move as materially justified.
However, he faulted what he termed the growing tendency among political actors to present themselves as the sole solution to Nigeria’s problems.
“The idea of saying ‘me or nobody else can save Nigeria’ is morally wrong,” he stated. “It casts Peter Obi, and indeed any politician, whether Atiku, Amaechi, or others, as more self-serving than willing to serve the country.”
Kila, a Professor of Strategy and Development, also criticised the opposition landscape, saying the African Democratic Congress ( ADC) had missed an opportunity to redefine leadership and promote collective political engagement.
According to him, the party could have built a more inclusive political structure based on shared programmes and collective responsibility.
“The ADC had the chance to redefine leadership and offer Nigeria a collective and inclusive model,” he said. “A platform built on agreed programmes, where all capable aspirants have clear roles and opportunities to serve, and where whoever flies the flag represents the collective strength of the group.”
He added that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of 2014 appeared more cohesive than the current opposition parties.
“Clearly, the APC of 2014 is doing better than today’s opposition,” he stated.
Kila also raised concerns over the state of Nigeria’s democratic institutions, warning that political parties were increasingly vulnerable to destabilisation through litigation and internal disputes.
“There is a risk to democracy if entire political parties can be easily derailed by court cases instituted by individuals who do not get their way,” he warned.
He stressed that political parties remain fundamental pillars of liberal democracy and should be deliberately protected to preserve democratic governance.
“Political parties are essential components of a liberal democracy. If we do not consciously protect them, then democracy itself is at risk,” he said.
The analyst further described the current political climate as a major test of leadership for the opposition and the broader political class, while urging the ruling party to avoid actions that could create perceptions of interference in opposition affairs.
“There is a leadership test for the opposition, and the Nigerian political class seems to be doing badly overall,” Kila stated.
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