By Milcah Tanimu

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 elections, has weighed in on the ongoing debate regarding Nigeria’s governmental structure. Speaking at a lecture held at Harvard Law School in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, Obi expressed his endorsement for transitioning from a presidential to a parliamentary system of government.

The former Anambra governor highlighted the need for a governance model that facilitates regular interaction between the president and citizens. Obi criticized the current presidential system, arguing that it fosters leadership opacity and lack of accountability, resulting in prolonged tenures for ineffective leaders.

Obi proposed that adopting a parliamentary system would enable more efficient checks and balances, as leaders could face votes of no confidence within a shorter timeframe. He emphasized that under such a system, the president would be a member of parliament, thereby necessitating direct engagement with the electorate on a regular basis.

Citing the challenges inherent in the current setup, Obi underscored the importance of ensuring that elected leaders remain accountable to the populace. He advocated for a governance framework where leaders are compelled to directly address citizens’ concerns and respond to inquiries, fostering greater transparency and responsiveness in governance.