Former Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has stirred fresh debate in Nigerian political circles, claiming that some former pro-democracy activists are now worse in power than the late military ruler, General Sani Abacha.
Obi made the comments in a statement shared on his official X platform, where he criticised what he described as a troubling reversal of democratic principles among individuals who once fought against military rule under the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO).
“Yesterday’s defenders of democracy are today’s destroyers,” Obi 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.”
The former Anambra State governor added that the development shows how power can change principles and expose character. He suggested 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 said.
NADECO 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.
Obi did not mention any names but stressed that current governance trends fall short of democratic expectations, raising concerns about accountability and respect for civil liberties.
Reports indicate that President Bola Tinubu was a prominent member of NADECO.
Obi’s comments come shortly after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) delisted members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) National Working Committee (NWC) from its official portal.
INEC said the action was based on a court ruling directing the commission to maintain the status quo pending the resolution of a leadership dispute before a federal high court.
The move has generated mixed reactions, with supporters of the ruling party saying INEC acted within its mandate, while critics argue that the commission is facilitating a de facto one-party system.
Obi concluded his statement with a renewed call for reform, reiterating his long-standing message: “A New Nigeria is POssible.”
