As of 2025, the Economist Intelligence Unit’s (EIU) Democracy Index 2024 (published in February 2025) classifies global regimes, with only a handful qualifying as full democracies. The report identifies 25 full democracies and around 46 flawed democracies, while many others fall into hybrid or authoritarian categories. Globally, the average score declined to 5.17, the lowest since the index began in 2006.
Mrs. Glory Agbor showing injuries she allegedly sustained during a domestic violence incident involving her husband, Hon. Dickson Ovat Agbor, a member of the Cross River State House of Assembly representing Obubra I Constituency.
Among the top 10 full democracies are Norway (1st), New Zealand (2nd), Iceland, Sweden, Denmark, and Ireland (within the top 10 positions). No African country appears in this elite list, underscoring the continent’s democratic challenges. Nigeria, with a score of 4.16 and a ranking of 106th out of roughly 167 countries, is classified as a hybrid regime — a step above authoritarian but marked by significant flaws in electoral processes, governance, political participation, culture, and civil liberties.
This flawed democratic landscape is evident in the conduct of some Nigerian political representatives at national and subnational levels. Recent cases highlight issues of alleged financial misconduct and domestic violence among lawmakers, raising questions about accountability and ethical standards in public office.
Federal Level: Senator Ned Nwoko and Regina Daniels
In late 2025, Senator Prince Chinedu Munir Nwoko (popularly known as Ned Nwoko), representing Delta North, became embroiled in a public marital dispute with his wife, actress Regina Daniels. Daniels alleged domestic violence and mistreatment in a viral video, claiming she could no longer endure the situation. Nwoko denied the accusations, describing them as false and instead pointing to alleged substance abuse and violent behaviour by Daniels. He shared WhatsApp chats and other evidence to support his claims, while counter-allegations included infidelity and drug-related issues. The matter remains contentious, with no formal resolution reported as of early 2026.
Cross River State: Patterns of Controversy
In Cross River State, subnational lawmakers have faced similar scrutiny in recent months.
First, Hon. Cyril James Omini, representing Yakurr I Constituency, was removed as Chairman of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation amid allegations of gross misconduct, financial impropriety involving N1.6 billion from contractor Eketeson Resources International Limited, and habitual absenteeism. A special investigative panel, chaired by Deputy Speaker Hon. Sylvester Agabi, probed the claims.
However, in November 2025, following the panel’s report, the Cross River State House of Assembly exonerated Omini. The House ruled the allegations “untrue, unfounded, and baseless,” finding no evidence of wrongdoing and absolving him of any financial involvement with the contractor.
More recently, on March 5, 2026, the Assembly indefinitely suspended Hon. Dickson Ovat Agbor (also referred to as Agbor Ovat Dickson, representing Obubra I Constituency, over allegations of violent conduct and domestic violence against his wife, Mrs. Glory Agbor.
The incident reportedly occurred over the weekend of February 28–March 1, 2026, at the Assembly quarters in Calabar. Sources indicate the lawmaker confronted his wife at a public event, accusing her of alcohol consumption and infidelity, leading to an argument that escalated into physical assault at home. Social media circulated images of Mrs. Agbor with severe facial injuries, including swollen and closed eyes, sparking widespread outrage and debate.
Mrs. Agbor, a mother of four boys who has reportedly suffered two past miscarriages, has since denied pursuing the allegations publicly, describing the matter as a private family issue that has been resolved. Some reports suggest her initial statements may have been influenced or that phones were seized. No independent evidence of infidelity has been confirmed.
The suspension followed a motion by Rt. Hon. Davies Etta, seconded by Rt. Hon. Francis Bassey Asuquo. The House condemned the alleged behavior as “unbecoming of a lawmaker” and contrary to ethical standards. A special committee was formed to investigate further.
Human rights activist and CrossRiverWatch founder Agba Jalingo condemned the incident, alleging it was not isolated and citing prior occasions where the Speaker reportedly assisted Mrs. Agbor medically. Jalingo also referenced public rebukes of the lawmaker by Governor Sen. Bassey Otu.
Legal Context: The VAPP Act
Domestic violence is criminalised under the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP) 2015, domesticated in Cross River State (like most states except Kano). Section 19(1) states that a person who batters a spouse commits an offence, punishable by up to three years’ imprisonment, a fine not exceeding N200,000, or both. Related provisions cover attempts (up to one year or N100,000 fine) and abetment.
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) oversees implementation, collaborating with stakeholders.
As of press time (March 7, 2026), Hon. Agbor has not issued a public statement on the matter. Efforts to obtain his response continue.
These incidents underscore the need for stronger oversight, ethical training, and enforcement of laws among Nigeria’s lawmakers to restore public trust in democratic institutions. Allegations must be investigated thoroughly, with due process for all parties involved.
