In a recent interview with Arise Television, notable author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie expressed her disagreement with Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka’s description of supporters of the Labour Party candidate, Peter Obi, as fascists. Soyinka had accused the party’s vice-presidential candidate, Baba Ahmed-Datti, of fascism after Datti suggested that the president-elect, Bola Tinubu, should not be sworn in.
Adichie praised Soyinka’s work but argued that fascist was too strong a word to describe Datti and the Obidients. Even though it could be used to describe the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Especially considering that many Nigerians feel cheated and gagged.
Adichie went on to express her disappointment with the 2023 Nigerian election, which she called “unforgivably flawed.”
She criticized President Muhammadu Buhari and INEC’s Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, for wasting an opportunity for heroism. Many Nigerians feel cheated and gagged as a result of the violence and abnormalities that marred the election. She argued that the election was not democratic and did not reflect the will of the people.
Adichie also touched on her recent letter to US President Joe Biden, in which she highlighted the flaws in the Nigerian election. She also called out the US for what she perceived as a double standard. Adichie argued that the US has a long history of endorsing undemocratic elections on the African continent. Even while simultaneously criticizing African countries for undemocratic behaviour. She urged the US to be consistent and live up to its ideals by promoting democracy and fair elections in Africa.
Overall, Adichie’s comments highlight the ongoing challenges facing democracy in Nigeria and the African continent more broadly. There have been some positive developments in recent years, including the peaceful transfer of power in several countries. However, many challenges still remain, including corruption, violence, and irregularities in elections.
Adichie’s call for greater consistency and fairness from the international community is an important reminder. Democratic norms and institutions must be nurtured and protected if they are to thrive.
