Fani‑Kayode Fires Back at Peter Obi, Defends NADECO’s Legacy

Fani‑Kayode Fires Back at Peter Obi, Defends NADECO’s Legacy

Former Minister of Aviation Femi Fani‑Kayode has sharply criticised Peter Obi over remarks perceived to diminish the role of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) in Nigeria’s democratic history, thrusting the debate over the nation’s pro‑democracy legacy back into the spotlight.

In a lengthy post shared widely on social media, Fani‑Kayode labelled Obi’s alleged comments about NADECO as “a crying shame” and warned that they “shall not go unanswered.” He accused Obi of attempting to denigrate the sacrifices of NADECO leaders and activists who opposed military rule in the 1990s.

“Peter Obi’s attack on NADECO and his attempt to denigrate the leaders of that movement and its members — who single‑handedly fought military rule and made the ultimate sacrifice for democracy in our country — is a crying shame,” Fani‑Kayode wrote.

He recalled how Obi, in his early political life, had been associated with the administration of General Sani Abacha, one of Nigeria’s most oppressive military rulers. Fani‑Kayode contrasted this with the actions of NADECO figures and footsoldiers who resisted military oppression, endured persecution and brutality, and were driven into exile for their activism.

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Fani‑Kayode stressed the heavy cost paid by NADECO members during the struggle. “Many of us were in NADECO and are living witnesses to what happened. We spoke out, wrote articles, suffered persecution, were locked up, were tortured, were killed and were forced into exile,” he said. He argued that the sacrifices made between 1992 and 1999 should never be dismissed or belittled.

The former minister also took aim at politicians linked with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), including ex‑Senate President David Mark. Fani‑Kayode alleged that Mark had previously spoken against Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election whose annulment by the military regime of Ibrahim Babangida plunged the country into prolonged unrest.

He reiterated that NADECO activists faced brutal repression, including imprisonment, torture, and exile under successive military rulers, and warned that Nigeria’s current democratic freedoms and free speech are the results of those struggles.

“He (Obi) should enjoy the democracy and free speech that we have today which others fought and died for between 1992 and 1999,” Fani‑Kayode said, urging Obi and others to refrain from comments that appear to undermine the legacy of pro‑democracy figures.

Obi’s comments, though not publicly expanded in recent days, sparked discussions across political and historical circles, with analysts noting that the debate over Nigeria’s democratic heritage and the sacrifices of groups like NADECO remains politically sensitive, particularly as the country continues to grapple with governance, electoral reforms, and national identity.

Political commentators also highlighted how the exchange reflects broader tensions within Nigeria’s opposition and among public figures vying to define the narrative of the nation’s democratic journey.

As of now, Obi’s camp has not formally responded to Fani‑Kayode’s rebuttal, but the debate has garnered attention on social media and in political commentary platforms, underscoring the enduring significance of NADECO’s legacy in contemporary political discourse.

Fani‑Kayode Fires Back at Peter Obi, Defends NADECO’s Legacy