A chieftain of the Labour Party in Ebonyi State and the party’s 2023 House of Representatives candidate for Abakaliki/Izzi Federal Constituency, Dr. Ezeh Emmanuel Ezeh, has decried what he described as a steady erosion of democratic values in the state, warning that governance is being distorted by power struggles and lack of accountability.
Ezeh, in a statement posted on his verified social media platforms, characterised the current political climate in Ebonyi as a deviation from true democratic ideals, coining the phrase “Dem-Don-Crazy” to describe what he termed a dysfunctional system.
He argued that power in the hands of individuals driven by desperation rather than vision often leads to instability, noting that such leadership tends to prioritise survival instincts over responsible governance.
According to him, the situation in Ebonyi reflects a troubling shift from leadership anchored on competence and vision to one dominated by considerations of power distribution, personal affiliations, and identity.
“What is going on in Ebonyi cannot be described as democracy.
"What we are witnessing is a distortion of leadership, where the focus has shifted from performance and competence to access to power and personal connections," he said.
The Labour Party chieftain further lamented that the system appears to be gradually alienating the very people it was meant to empower, warning that the erosion of accountability could undermine the foundations of governance in the state.
Ezeh noted that the current trajectory risks closing opportunities that were once open to ordinary citizens, adding that the development represents a reversal of democratic gains.
He also expressed concern that public discourse in the state has moved away from critical issues such as governance performance and development, to debates centred on influence and entitlement.
Describing the situation as “painful to witness,” Ezeh urged stakeholders and citizens to reflect on the direction of governance and to demand accountability from leaders.
He stressed that democracy can only thrive where there is transparency, competence, and responsibility, warning that any system lacking these elements ultimately becomes unsustainable.
“Democracy without accountability is not democracy,” he said, “but a distorted version of it that cannot stand the test of time.”
Ezeh called on the people of Ebonyi to remain vigilant and engaged in the political process to ensure that governance aligns with the principles of fairness, inclusion, and development.

