Democracy in Nigeria is losing its appeal. Once hailed as a government of the people, by the people, and for the people, it has become a tool for oppression, exploitation, and corruption. The presidential system has created a powerful elite that enriches itself while silencing the majority.
The separation of powers between the executive, legislature, and judiciary is nearly non-existent. The president wields excessive authority, while the other arms of government submit to his will—contrary to the principles of democracy. Nigeria must embrace restructuring to escape this failing system.
At the 60th birthday celebration of former Imo State Governor Emeka Ihedioha in Abuja, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and others lamented the state of governance. Obasanjo remarked, “Democracy in Africa has failed because, in context and content, it is not Africa. It does not have any aspect of our culture, our way of life, what we stand for, what we believe.”
While monarchy is not the solution due to political interference and compromised leadership, Nigeria’s salvation lies in political restructuring and fiscal federalism.
A genuine federal system would empower subnational governments, reducing the excessive central control that breeds dependency. Currently, state governments survive on monthly handouts from the federal government, fostering laziness rather than innovation.
Public disinterest in elections reflects this flawed system. In 2023, only 27% of registered voters participated in the presidential election that brought Bola Tinubu to power. In Anambra, just 10% elected Governor Charles Soludo. In some cases, voter turnout was as low as 9%, making claims of popular mandates questionable.
By contrast, in the United States, 63.7% of voters participated in the last presidential election. In Nigeria, democracy has been hijacked by the few, with the judiciary enabling executive excesses.
Extravagance in governance continues unchecked. Last year, Tinubu acquired a $150 million presidential jet, weeks after protests over nationwide hunger. He also bought bulletproof cars. Meanwhile, a Nigerian senator earns N21 million monthly, with an annual allocation of N500 million for questionable constituency projects. The Vice President’s new residence cost N21 billion. Lawmakers compete over who has the longest convoy, while most Nigerians struggle to afford a meal.
The First Republic’s federal structure allowed regions to generate and control their resources while contributing a percentage to the center. Nigeria must return to this model. If each state is responsible for its economic survival, there will be less reliance on Abuja’s allocations.
No system is perfect, but restructuring will curb the president’s excessive powers, forcing states to thrive based on their strengths. It will eliminate the current culture of laziness in governance and streamline the federal government to focus on national defense and foreign policy.
Governance should evolve to meet the needs of the people. A restructured Nigeria will move forward.
