Peter Obi, presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, says defenders of democracy during Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle in the 1990s are betraying the ideals they once championed.
Obi’s comments followed the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to de-recognise leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) chaired by David Mark.
The ADC has since described INEC’s action as a plan by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to weaken the opposition ahead of the 2027 general election.
In a post shared on X, Obi said it was ironic that those who presented themselves as defenders of democracy and human rights during the military era now exhibit worse tendencies than the regime they opposed.
“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,” he wrote.
The former Anambra governor added that the legacy of the late military ruler, often criticised for authoritarianism, is now being viewed differently in comparison to the actions of some present-day actors.
“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.
Obi said the situation was a reflection of how power can change individuals, adding that “power indeed reveals character”.
The National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) was a pro-democracy group formed in 1994 in response to the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, widely believed to have been won by Moshood Abiola.
NADECO became one of the leading voices against Abacha’s military regime, campaigning for the restoration of democracy, recognition of the June 12 mandate, and respect for human rights.
Its activities led to widespread crackdowns, with many members detained, harassed, or forced into exile.
Among those associated with the movement was President Bola Tinubu, who was a senator at the time.
Tinubu later went into exile during the Abacha regime, where he continued to support NADECO’s activities from abroad.
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