Abacha Appears More Democratic Than Former NADECO Activists in Power, Says Obi

Abacha Appears More Democratic Than Former NADECO Activists in Power, Says Obi

Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has stirred fresh political debate after suggesting that some individuals who once fought for democracy under the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) have fallen short of the ideals they championed, even comparing them unfavourably to former military ruler Sani Abacha.

In a statement shared on his X platform, Obi criticised what he described as a reversal of democratic values among some former activists who opposed military rule in the 1990s.

“Yesterday’s defenders of democracy are today’s destroyers,” he said, adding that it was ironic that individuals who once positioned themselves as champions of human rights now appear to have abandoned those principles in governance.

The former Anambra State governor argued that the current political climate reflects how power can alter convictions, noting that some leaders who were vocal during the pro-democracy struggle have failed to uphold the same standards in office.

He went further to suggest that, by comparison, Abacha—long associated with repression—now appears more respectful of democratic norms than some of those who once opposed him.

NADECO was a key force in Nigeria’s pro-democracy movement during the military era, particularly after the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election. Its members included several prominent figures who later assumed leadership roles in the country’s return to civilian rule.

Obi, however, did not mention specific individuals, but his remarks come at a time of heightened political tension following recent actions by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), including the removal of the National Working Committee of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) from its official portal.

The electoral body said the move was in compliance with a court of appeal ruling directing it to maintain the status quo pending the resolution of an ongoing leadership dispute before a federal high court.

The development has drawn mixed reactions, with supporters of the ruling All Progressives Congress defending the decision as lawful, while critics argue it raises concerns about the independence of electoral institutions and the health of Nigeria’s democracy.

Obi ended his remarks with a renewed call for political reform, reiterating his message that a better Nigeria remains achievable.