Peter Obi, a former Labour Party presidential candidate, has sparked new political debate by saying that some people who used to fight for democracy under the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) have not lived up to the ideals they fought for and even compared them unfavorably to former military ruler Sani Abacha.
Obi said in a message posted on his X platform that some former activists who fought against military rule in the 1990s had turned away from democratic values.
He stated, “Yesterday’s defenders of democracy are today’s destroyers.” He also noted it was amusing that people who used to call themselves protectors of human rights now seem to have abandoned such values in government.
The former governor of Anambra State said that the current political atmosphere shows how power can change people’s beliefs. He pointed out that certain politicians who spoke out during the pro-democracy battle have not lived up to the same standards in office.
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He went on to say that, in comparison, Abacha, who has long been linked to repression, now seems to follow democratic norms more than some of his former opponents.
NADECO was a big part of Nigeria’s pro-democracy campaign during the military rule, especially after the June 12, 1993 presidential election was canceled. Many well-known people were members of it, and they later took on leadership roles in the country’s transition to civilian authority.
Obi didn’t name any names, but his comments come at a time when political tensions are high because of recent actions by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), such as taking the National Working Committee of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) off its official website.
The electoral board said the move was in line with a court of appeal ruling that told it to keep things the way they are until a federal high court settles an ongoing leadership battle.
There have been varied reactions to the judgment. Supporters of the ruling All Progressives Congress say it was legal, while detractors say it raises questions about the independence of electoral institutions and the health of Nigeria’s democracy.
Obi closed his speech by calling for political change again, repeating his point that a better Nigeria is still possible.
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