Abuja, March 25, 2025 –
A colloquium held to celebrate the 60th birthday of former Imo State Governor, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha turned into a focal point of national discourse on Monday, as Peter Obi, the former Governor of Anambra state and the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, boldly claimed that democracy in Nigeria has collapsed.
The event, which took place at the Ladi Kwali Hall of the Abuja Intercontinental Hotel, drew prominent figures from across Nigeria’s political spectrum, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal.
The colloquium, chaired by Obasanjo, featured a keynote address by the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, titled “Is Democracy Failing in Africa?” Kukah’s speech set the tone for a reflective discussion on the state of democracy on the continent. However, Peter Obi’s remarks stole the spotlight and ignited a firestorm of reactions. Speaking at the event, Obi decried the current state of Nigeria’s democracy, arguing that the system has deteriorated significantly since 1999. “I became a governor through the courts. I didn’t pay the courts 1 Naira, and I was declared the winner. It cannot happen in Nigeria today,” Obi stated, reflecting on his own experience as a former governor of Anambra State. He added, “Our democracy is failed,” pointing to weakened governance structures and ineffective institutions as evidence of a systemic collapse.
Obi’s comments drew sharp criticism from the presidency, with Bayo Onanuga, a presidential aide, accusing him of making hyperbolic remarks without logical foundation. In a statement on X, Onanuga remarked, “How can a democracy that has strengthened over the past 26 years be said to have collapsed? If democracy had indeed collapsed, as Peter claims, he would not have been able to make his comments on Monday at Emeka Ihedioha’s colloquium.” Onanuga urged Obi to restrain himself from “playing to the gallery” with such statements.
The event also served as a platform to honor Ihedioha’s contributions to Nigerian politics. Peter Obi, in a post on X, praised Ihedioha’s “deep-rooted patriotism” and his commitment to national development. “As a political leader, he embodies competence, strength, and resilience, and stands out as one of the few Nigerian leaders who are truly passionate and dedicated to national development,” Obi wrote. He congratulated Ihedioha on his milestone birthday, praying for many more years of impactful contributions to the country.
Ihedioha, a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, has had a storied political career. Elected as Imo State governor in 2019, his tenure was cut short after seven months when the Supreme Court controversially overturned his victory and declared Senator Hope Uzodimma the winner. Despite the setback, Ihedioha’s brief time in office was marked by significant progress, earning him recognition as a dogged political fighter. The colloquium provided an avenue to evaluate Nigeria’s political journey since 1999, with Ihedioha’s role as a key player in the nation’s democratic order taking center stage.
The event attracted a distinguished lineup of guests, reflecting Ihedioha’s influence across political divides. Atiku Abubakar, who also spoke at the colloquium, commended Ihedioha for his loyalty and dedication, sharing a lighthearted anecdote about attending the event despite the timing coinciding with the last 10 days of Ramadan. “When Emeka told me about this event, I almost complained… But he said, ‘Oga, try and make it.’ And I said, ‘Ok, I will make it.’ And here we are today,” Atiku recounted.
The celebration concluded with a dinner later in the evening, capping a day of reflection, celebration, and heated debate. Obi’s remarks have since sparked widespread reactions on social media, with supporters like @emmaikumeh agreeing that democracy is failing in Nigeria, while others, such as @adamugarba, acknowledged the solidity of Obi’s presentation but questioned its broader implications. The controversy has reignited discussions on the state of Nigerian democracy, with many watching to see how this debate will shape the country’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.
As the nation grapples with these pressing questions, Emeka Ihedioha’s 60th birthday celebration has proven to be more than a personal milestone—it has become a catalyst for a broader conversation about Nigeria’s democratic future.
