The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the Ebonyi North Senatorial District in the 2027 general election, Engr. Sunday Andrew Opoke, has alleged that Nigeria is not practising true democracy, describing the country's current system of governance as a combination of "kakistocracy" and "kleptocracy."
Speaking with journalists in Abakaliki on Thursday, Opoke argued that the nation's political system had deviated from the principles of democracy, insisting that governance should be driven by accountability, transparency and the rule of law rather than personal or political interests.
According to him, "We are not practising democracy. What we are practising currently is kakistocracy and kleptocracy. Kakistocracy is a type of governance where the weak lead the best, while kleptocracy is a government where looters and corrupt people are in charge."
The PDP senatorial candidate maintained that the absence of internal democracy and clear political ideology among political parties had weakened Nigeria's democratic process.
He said political parties ought to be founded on identifiable philosophies and ideologies that inspire conviction among members, rather than serving as platforms driven by personal interests.
Opoke further alleged that the continued weakening of opposition political parties by the government was detrimental to democratic development, stressing that a vibrant opposition remained essential for accountability and checks and balances.
"The government has made it a point of duty to destroy opposition parties. Opposition is a vital component of democracy because it provides checks and balances," he said.
The engineer-turned-politician noted that good governance rests on principles such as participation, accountability, transparency, responsiveness, equity, efficiency, effectiveness and adherence to the rule of law.
According to him, any government that fails to uphold these principles cannot be said to be practising good governance.
Commenting on the political situation in Ebonyi State, Opoke expressed dissatisfaction with the state's development, claiming that residents had yet to witness projects capable of transforming the state within the last four years.
He, however, said his criticism was constructive and intended to encourage improved governance rather than attack any individual.
On his decision to contest the 2027 election on the platform of the PDP, Opoke said although the party, like other opposition parties, faced internal challenges, he believed it still provided a platform through which he could pursue his vision of promoting good governance.
He expressed confidence of winning the Ebonyi North senatorial election, insisting that being in the opposition was not a disadvantage but an opportunity to demonstrate conviction, competence and leadership.
The PDP candidate pledged to focus on policies that would reduce poverty in Ebonyi North through agricultural development, industrialisation and investment in the area's abundant mineral resources if elected.
He also promised to leverage the district's strategic geographical location to transform it into a commercial and agricultural hub connecting the South-East, South-South and Northern parts of the country.
Opoke urged political leaders at all levels to embrace good governance, insisting that only transparent, accountable and people-oriented leadership could restore public confidence in Nigeria's democracy.
