Obi Criticises Former NADECO Figures, Compares Them to Abacha

Former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate Peter Obi

Obi Criticises Former NADECO Figures, Compares Them to Abacha

Former Anambra governor and opposition leader Peter Obi has sparked intense debate by asserting that Nigeria’s late military ruler, General Sani Abacha, demonstrated more democratic and respectful conduct than some individuals who once identified as pro-democracy activists during the NADECO era. The comments were made in a post shared on Obi’s X (formerly Twitter) account and come amid ongoing leadership disputes within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Obi, who ran as the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in 2023 and now plays a key role in the ADC, criticised what he described as the irony of history: “Yesterday defenders of democracy, today’s destroyers. What a shame.” He added that some former NADECO activists, once celebrated for their fight for human rights, have now become worse than the man they opposed.

He wrote: “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. Power indeed reveals character.”

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The remarks coincide with a major INEC intervention in ADC leadership, following a Court of Appeal ruling in Suit No. CA/ABJ/145/2026. INEC removed the names of Senator David Mark and former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola from its portal as national chairman and national secretary, respectively. The commission also declined to recognise Nafiu Bala Gombe, who is seeking court approval as national chairman. INEC said it would suspend recognition of affected officials and refrain from monitoring party conventions until the Federal High Court resolves the substantive case.

Obi’s comments have been met with mixed reactions. Supporters see them as a candid critique of political hypocrisy, highlighting how some former democracy champions have allegedly abandoned the principles they once defended. Critics, however, argue that comparing Abacha — whose regime was widely condemned for human rights abuses — to pro-democracy activists undermines Nigeria’s democratic legacy.

The National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) was formed in 1994 to demand a return to civilian rule after the annulment of the 1993 elections. Its members, including activists and politicians, played a pivotal role in opposing military dictatorship and advocating for democratic governance.

As the ADC navigates its internal leadership disputes and positions itself ahead of the 2027 general election, Obi’s remarks underscore ongoing debates about democratic accountability, political integrity, and the evolution of leadership in Nigeria.