ENUGU — The Publisher and Managing Partner of GMTNews.ng, Mr. Chijioke Ogbodo, has expressed concern over the future of Nigeria’s democracy, stating that the biggest concern ahead of future elections is whether the votes cast by Nigerians will truly count.
Ogbodo made the remarks while speaking on Political Conversations, a programme aired on Freedom Square TV and hosted by Uchenna Cyril Anioke Ph.D. The discussion focused on the theme, “2027 Elections: Will Government Records or Political Machinery Determine the Outcome?”
Speaking on the state of democracy in Nigeria, Ogbodo said the country can be regarded as a democracy because more people now have access to governance and participation in public affairs. However, he argued that democracy is often absent when it comes to the process of selecting leaders, maintaining that the structures and procedures expected in a democratic system are still lacking.
According to him, Nigeria has never conducted a completely transparent election, yet electoral outcomes continue to be accepted by the electoral authorities. He recalled an experience during an election in which voters reportedly waited for hours to cast their votes, only to be informed later that voting had ended and a candidate had already emerged without many of them participating in the process.
He said such experiences have contributed to public distrust in the electoral system and remain a major challenge to democratic growth in the country.
On the issue of consensus candidacy, Ogbodo acknowledged that consensus arrangements may save time, money and political energy, but insisted that party primaries remain the most democratic avenue for selecting candidates. According to him, primaries allow party members to choose their preferred candidates and should not be replaced by arrangements that sideline the wishes of the electorate within political parties.
The media executive also expressed concern over the growing number of politicians and elected officials joining the All Progressives Congress (APC). He noted that several governors and lawmakers have moved into the ruling party, describing the trend as unusual and worthy of careful study.
According to him, whatever strategy is being employed to attract politicians into the APC deserves attention, adding that the increasing concentration of political power within one party may not be healthy for democracy. He argued that a vibrant opposition remains essential for accountability and effective democratic governance.
Assessing the performance of the Federal Government, Ogbodo said the administration has delivered to a reasonable extent, particularly in infrastructure development, road construction and other public projects across different states. However, he maintained that the economic situation remains difficult for ordinary Nigerians.
While acknowledging ongoing infrastructure projects, he said many citizens are still struggling with economic hardship and rising living costs. He also pointed to persistent security challenges, including banditry and kidnapping, noting that even high-profile individuals have fallen victim to criminal activities.
Taking both achievements and shortcomings into account, Ogbodo rated the government’s performance at 50-50, saying there are visible successes as well as significant areas requiring improvement.
Returning to the issue of elections, he said many voters are prepared to express their feelings through the ballot box, but the major question remains whether those votes will ultimately count.
“The biggest concern for voters is whether their votes will count. That has been the problem since democracy,” he said.
Speaking on Enugu State, Ogbodo praised the administration of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, describing him as a leader committed to infrastructure development, welfare and economic growth.
He said the governor’s projects across the state demonstrate a passion for development and improved living conditions for residents. Drawing from personal experience, he narrated how poor road conditions in Idaw-River, Agbani Road where he once lived contributed to his relocation, only for the state government to rehabilitate the road within months after he left.
He added that road construction has also taken place in New Heaven Extension, his current area of residence, improving transportation and safety for residents. According to him, Governor Mbah speaks less and focuses more on delivering projects, adding that some of the administration’s achievements are underreported.
Ogbodo also referenced ongoing renovation works at Uwani Primary Health Center, stating that he personally visited the facility and observed construction activities taking place.
Despite his commendation of the administration, he identified water supply as an area requiring urgent attention. He noted that water provision was among the promises made by the government and urged authorities to intensify efforts toward fulfilling that commitment. He also called for greater investment in electricity and the completion of abandoned projects across the state.
According to him, reviving abandoned projects would further accelerate development and improve the quality of life of residents.
On the governor’s chances of securing a second term, Ogbodo said he currently sees no opposition candidate capable of posing a serious challenge to Governor Mbah’s re-election bid. He argued that it is difficult to defeat an incumbent who is actively delivering visible projects and results.
Commenting on the endorsement of Governor Mbah by Barth Nnaji, Ogbodo said the endorsement was likely influenced by the governor’s performance and developmental strides across the state.
He described Professor Nnaji as a respected statesman whose opinions carry weight because of his personality, achievements and contributions to society. According to him, the endorsement serves as an indication of confidence in the governor’s leadership and developmental direction.
When asked whether the endorsement could affect Professor Nnaji’s relationship with Peter Obi, Ogbodo dismissed the possibility, saying the elder statesman would not engage in active political campaigning but would continue to be a respected figure whose counsel and blessings are sought by political leaders.
He concluded by reiterating that while government performance and political structures will play important roles in determining future elections, the ultimate test of Nigeria’s democracy remains whether citizens can trust that their votes will be counted and reflected in electoral outcomes.