Peter Obi Slams Voice Vote on Rivers State Emergency, Calls for Democratic Reforms

 

Former Anambra State governor and 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has once again criticized the voice vote used by the Nigerian Senate and House of Representatives to approve President Bola Tinubu’s State of Emergency declaration in Rivers State on March 18.

In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter) this morning, Obi expressed deep concerns over the process, stating that it underscores the lack of true democracy in Nigeria. He lamented how lawmakers frequently defect from their political parties without losing their seats, describing the nation’s current political landscape as "transactional, compromised, and, in many respects, resembling organized criminality."

According to Obi, a functional opposition is crucial for any true democratic system. He noted that in countries like South Africa and Indonesia, proportional representation ensures that opposition voices are heard and respected.

For instance, he pointed out that South Africa’s National Assembly has 400 seats, where the ruling African National Congress (ANC) holds about 160 seats, while the opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) holds 80 seats, alongside several other political parties. Similarly, Indonesia has a structured system where elected officials cannot defect to another party without forfeiting their seats—a law designed to maintain party discipline and uphold the electoral mandate.

Obi argued that if such a proportional system existed in Nigeria, the Senate and House of Representatives would have a more balanced representation, making the legislative process more credible.

"If that were the case in Nigeria, our Senate—comprising 109 seats—would be more reflective of electoral realities, with the APC holding 44 seats, the PDP 33 (under the leadership of Atiku), and the Labour Party 27 (under my leadership). Ideally, the House of Representatives should mirror this balance, with approximately 144 APC members, 108 PDP members, and 90 Labour Party members," Obi explained.

Obi insists that unless Nigeria urgently implements democratic reforms, including: Enforcing party discipline to prevent lawmakers from switching parties at will. Ensuring fair representation through proportional voting. Strengthening opposition voices to hold the ruling party accountable.

Without these changes, Obi warns that Nigeria’s democracy will remain fragile and dysfunctional.

"What we are left with is not a genuine democratic system, but one that is transactional, compromised, and, in many respects, resembles organized criminality," he said.

Despite his frustrations, Obi remains resolute, vowing to continue the fight for a truly democratic Nigeria.

"We will not surrender to criminality. We shall continue to fight for democracy—genuine democracy," he declared.