Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has said that 150 million Nigerians are living in multidimensional poverty.

This was as he questioned democracy in Nigeria, saying it is fast losing its essence and not addressing the needs of the people.

Speaking at the National Dialogue on Strengthening Nigeria’s Democracy: Pathway to Good Governance and Political Integrity, held at the Intercontinental Hotel in Abuja on Monday, Obi said for democracy in Africa to thrive beyond its current fragile state, it must operate within its foundational tenets, going beyond ceremonial elections.

"This requires building critical institutions that command trust and deliver absolute respect for the people's will. Governance can only deliver tangible benefits when the will of the people prevails," he said.

The former governor of Anambra State expressed gratitude to the keynote speaker, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who displayed exemplary statesmanship by conceding defeat to John Dramani Mahama before the final election results in Ghana.

"His actions upheld democratic principles, reinforced Ghana's reputation for stability, and highlighted the respect for the people's will, which is essential for democratic growth," Obi said.

"With about 100 million Nigerians living in absolute poverty and 150 million in multidimensional poverty, democracy is fast losing its essence if it fails to address the fundamental needs of its citizens, particularly in critical areas such as health, education, and poverty alleviation.

"We must confront the fundamental question: is democracy truly addressing the needs of Nigerians? Are we building institutions that uphold accountability, justice, and fairness? To achieve a functional democracy, we must prioritize strengthening independent institutions, fostering governance that delivers economic and social progress, encouraging active citizenship to hold leaders accountable, and empowering our youth as drivers of nation-building," he said.

Further speaking, he said the time was ripe to deepen democracy and build a better future for all Nigerians.

"Amid the rise of coups across Africa and the growing fragility of democracies globally, it is evident that democracy cannot thrive without trust, robust institutions, and a steadfast commitment to the welfare of the people," he concluded.

Others who graced the event included former vice president Atiku Abubakar, and the immediate past governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-rufai.