Peter Obi was the 2023 Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP)
Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has passionately called for Nigerians to forge enduring, law-abiding political parties to steer the nation out of its democratic “wilderness.”
At the launch of Ike Abonyi’s books, _The Bubbles of Nigeria’s Democracy: The Musings of a Nigerian Journalist and Wadata Wonders: Memoirs of a Partisan Journalist_.
Obi emphasized the need for parties stronger than the government itself, declaring, “We are working tirelessly to build a new Nigeria where political parties outlive us, are organized, and surpass the government in influence.”
He criticized the current state where those in power weaken parties, adding, “We need parties that operate like those in other nations—structured and law-abiding.”
Obi also urged journalists to educate citizens through writing, stating, “Keep documenting so people understand Nigeria’s political reality.”
Also, the former PDP National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus painted a stark picture of Nigeria’s democracy, lamenting, “We are a country lost in the wilderness, searching for stability.”
He decried the culture of party-hopping, saying, “Our democracy is broken because people don’t commit to building their parties.”
He stressed the need for long-term dedication, noting, “Until we establish a system where people stay with their parties for 30, 40, or 50 years to build and rebuild, Nigeria will have nothing to offer future generations.”
Reflecting on Abonyi’s books, Secondus praised their historical value but noted differences, saying, “Abonyi’s work reflects his truth, and while I disagree with some parts, we can agree to disagree.”
Former Managing Director of The Guardian, Martins Oloja, highlighted the media’s role, stating, “Alternative views are vital for a healthy democracy, challenging power and fostering inclusivity, as Abonyi has shown.”
Abonyi shared his unintended journey into PDP, revealing how former chairman Okwesilieze Nwodo’s digital registration plan was thwarted.
“Governors sabotaged it to preserve their power, marking the start of PDP’s decline,” he said, adding that Wadata Wonders holds back some “real wonders” too sensitive to publish.
