Former Presidential Candidate of Labour Party, Peter Obi, has sparked fresh political debate after declaring that some individuals who once championed democracy under the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) have become worse in power than the late military ruler, General Sani Abacha.
In a strongly worded statement shared on his official X platform, Obi criticised what he described as a troubling reversal of democratic ideals among former activists who fought against military rule in the 1990s.
“Yesterday’s defenders of democracy are today’s destroyers,” he said. “What an irony of history, that the acclaimed defenders of democracy and human rights who claimed to have fought for democracy during the era of General Sani Abacha now find themselves worse than the man they opposed.”
Obi added that the development reflects how power can alter principles and expose character, suggesting that some leaders have abandoned the values they once publicly upheld.
“Today, General Sani Abacha, once presumed face of oppression, will be remembered as seemingly more democratic and more respectful of human rights than the so-called champions of activism from the NADECO days,” he stated.
The NADECO movement played a central role in Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle during the military era, advocating for the restoration of civilian rule following the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.
The former Anambra State governor did not mention specific individuals but insisted that current governance trends fall short of democratic expectations, raising concerns about accountability and respect for civil liberties.
Daily Trust reports that President Bola Tinubu was a prominent member of NADECO.
Obi’s remarks come amid the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) delisting of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) National Working Committee (NWC) members from its official portal.
Citing a court ruling, the electoral body said the action was in compliance with an order of the court of appeal directing the commission to maintain the status quo pending the resolution of the leadership dispute currently before a federal high court.
The action has since generated mixed reactions across political circles, with supporters of the ruling party saying INEC acted within its rights, while critics argued that the commission is assisting the ruling party achieve its aim of one-party state.
Obi concluded his statement with a renewed call for reform, reiterating his long-standing message: “A New Nigeria is POssible.”