At the 2025 New Nigeria Youth Summit held in Abuja, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, delivered a powerful keynote address, declaring that Nigeria can no longer be described as a democratic nation under its current leadership.
The event, organised by the Coalition for the Protection of Democracy (COPDEM), focused on the role of youth in safeguarding the nation’s democratic future.
Obi did not mince words in his criticism of the state of the nation’s governance. “Nigeria today is not a democracy—let no one deceive you,” he said. “Democracy, by its simplest definition, is a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. Sadly, none of these elements are present in our current reality.”
Addressing an audience made up of political leaders, activists, and youth innovators, Obi underscored the need for a fundamental shift in political culture, particularly as the nation approaches another election cycle. He emphasised that elections must not be reduced to mere routines where voters are swayed by tribal affiliations, religious sentiments, or monetary inducements.
“Our biggest problem begins with how we choose our leaders,” Obi said. “People come around distributing money and making false promises, and we don’t stop to ask: Who is this person? What do they stand for? What is their record and what are they bringing to the table?”
He charged Nigerian youth to rise beyond disorganisation and take control of the democratic process. “It’s time to organise,” he declared. “If you remain unorganised, the same cycle of failure will persist, and the suffering will continue. You must be the architects of a new Nigeria.”
Reflecting on the nation’s voting habits, the former Anambra State governor urged a transition from emotional to merit-based leadership selection. “In the last election, we voted based on tribe and religion. This time, let us vote for competence. Let’s vote for capacity—people who can solve real problems,” he said.
Obi also berated the current administration for failing to fulfil its promises, particularly in the areas of power supply and employment. “They promised us uninterrupted electricity.
But what we’ve received instead is higher tariffs and more darkness. As for employment, we’re told unemployment has dropped from 40 percent to 4 percent—but the streets are still crowded with jobless youths. Who are we deceiving?”
The concerns raised by Obi were echoed by the acting National Chairman of the Labour Party, Senator Nenadi Usman, in a message delivered on her behalf by media aide Ken Asogwa.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic trajectory, especially in light of the June 12 pro-democracy struggle, Senator Usman questioned whether the sacrifices of heroes like the late Chief MKO Abiola have been honoured.
“Our democracy today is a mere shadow of itself,” she lamented. “Elections have become hollow rituals rather than genuine expressions of the people’s will.”
Senator Usman called for urgent youth-led transformation, declaring, “Young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow; you are the leaders of today. Your energy, creativity, and resilience are the most valuable yet underutilised assets in Nigeria.”
She noted that from technology and agriculture to entertainment and digital enterprise, Nigerian youth have already demonstrated world-class innovation, but stressed that more institutional support and inclusive governance are essential for their success.
Also speaking at the summit, COPDEM National Chairman, Prince Rwang Pam, warned of the dangers of sidelining the nation’s youth. “There’s a silent anger in the land,” he said. “If left unchecked, it could erupt into unrest. We must address it before it turns into destructive energy.”
The summit was attended by several notable figures, including human rights activist Ms. Ankio Briggs and political analyst Prof. Udenta Udenta.
The event served as a platform to galvanise youth engagement in democratic governance and policy reform, with a collective call for accountability, inclusion, and a genuine return to the principles of democracy.