Peter Obi, former Labour Party presidential candidate, has declared that democracy no longer exists in Nigeria. Speaking in an interview with Arise TV, Obi pointed to the recent Edo State governorship election and the unfolding political crisis in Rivers State as clear signs that democratic principles have collapsed.

Obi condemned President Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers over tensions between Governor Sim Fubara and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. The President’s move included suspending the governor, his deputy, and the entire State Assembly for six months, replacing them with a Sole Administrator.

Obi criticized the decision, arguing that no one should govern without a mandate from the people. “There is no democracy in Nigeria today,” he said. When asked why he plans to contest the 2027 presidential election, Obi said the fight for real democracy must continue. “Look at the Edo election — does that look like democracy? Rivers State buried the whole idea,” he said.

“You can’t fix problems by breaking the rules,” Obi added. “I’m still committed to building a better Nigeria. I have the background, the experience, and I’ve served in both the corporate world and as a governor. No other candidate brings what I bring to the table.”

The Federal Government has announced Thursday as a public holiday in honour of the 2025 Democracy Day celebration. The announcement was made through a statement by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Mrs. Magdalene Ajani, in Abuja.

According to her, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration on behalf of the government and used the opportunity to commend Nigerians for sustaining 26 years of uninterrupted democracy. He noted that June 12 stands as a powerful reminder of Nigeria’s journey toward truth, justice, peace, and a promising future.

Tunji-Ojo also stated the determination and resilience of Nigerians over the past two decades and reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s dedication to upholding democratic values built on the freely expressed will of the people.

WAEC has debunked rumours that the English Language paper written on May 28 was cancelled. The exam, part of the ongoing WASSCE for school candidates, faced serious delays at several centres across the country. In some places, the paper meant to start by 9 a.m. didn’t begin until late at night, leaving students to write under poor conditions, with many using phone flashlights and torchlights to read their questions.

WAEC explained that it received reports of a possible paper leak and had to act fast to protect the credibility of the exam. But contrary to claims making rounds on social media, the council made it clear the paper was not cancelled. In a statement by Moyosola Adesina, the acting Head of Public Affairs, WAEC said a press release dated May 30 announcing the cancellation was fake and not from the council.

She said WAEC doesn’t know where the false information came from, but suspects it was shared by individuals trying to create panic and damage the council’s image. The Head of WAEC’s National Office, Amos Dangut, also commented on the situation, saying the late-night exams held in some areas were far below the council’s standards.