Peter Obi on June 12: Nigeria's democracy is in serious trouble and its future is uncertain

Mr Peter Obi, the Labour Party's (LP) candidate for president in the general election scheduled for February 25, stated that the "nation's democracy is deeply troubled, while its destiny remains uncertain and precarious."
Obi expressed concern that the nation is now living at a time when fundamental elements of democracy are undercut by widespread impunity, unrelenting violence, and bloodshed.
Sunday, Obi expressed his regret that "the country lacks selfless leaders committed to national interest, sustainable development, and innovative thinking that offers every Nigerian freedom of choice of abode, protection of lives and property, and ordered liberties."
Following the celebration of "June 12 Democracy Day" in Nigeria, he made his statement.
Obi emphasized that June 12 is the cornerstone of Nigerians' protracted collective path to nationhood as a true democracy by noting that the choice of late Chief M. K. O. Abiola as a deserving leader for the country was praised by Nigerians and governments and people throughout the world.
The former governor of Anambra State emphasized that even under military rule, Nigerians freely stated their preference for genuine democracy and a transparent voting process.
He bemoaned the fact that the gap in trust between Nigerians and their leaders has only widened.
"Our collective choice of late Chief M. K. O. Abiola as a worthy leader for the nation was saluted by Nigerians and governments and peoples throughout the world," he said in part of his statement. As a result, June 12 supports our long, communal road to becoming a nation with a true democracy. The reality of our politics now, however, paints a different picture. The future of our country is still unsure and vulnerable, which is very troubling for our democracy. We still have too many fundamental issues that need to be resolved as a country.
Above all, the government must uphold the social contract it has made with the people by providing for their needs, abiding by their wishes, and carrying out the obligations of responsible governance set down in the Constitution. Respect for the law is one of the government's most important duties in this regard. Unfortunately, we also live in a time when widespread impunity, widespread violence, and bloodshed threaten to undermine these fundamental tenets of democracy. Nigerians' lack of trust in their leaders is still growing.

"The trust and efficiency gaps in our most recent elections brazenly illustrate this disease. The goal of June 12 and a special Democracy Day is to motivate us to fix the mistakes made in our most recent elections."
"This is the surest approach to regain the public's faith in the promise of a genuine democracy and the future of our country. I nevertheless implore everyone to maintain faith in the democratic system's inherent ability to self-correct."
"I remain committed and confident that a New Nigeria is feasible. Our desire for a country that is equitable, just, secure, and peaceful can hardly be considered a utopia. Our country has abundant natural and human resources."
What we lack are selfless leaders that are dedicated to the national interest, sustainable development, and inventive thinking that provides every Nigerian with the freedom of choice of residence, protection of lives, property, and orderly liberties, regardless of race, religion, or social strata.
These goals are realistic and attainable, and I'm reassuring Nigerians that we won't give up until we have a government that gives them the priority they deserve.