Former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has criticized Nigeria’s political class, saying some individuals who once positioned themselves as defenders of democracy have now become worse than the military figures they opposed.
Obi made the remarks on Thursday in a post shared on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, where he reflected on Nigeria’s democratic journey and the conduct of political actors who were active during the NADECO era.
In his post, the former Anambra State governor drew a contrast between past military rule and present-day governance, suggesting that some former pro-democracy activists have failed to live up to the ideals they once championed.
He argued that those who fought against the administration of late military Head of State, Sani Abacha, during the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) struggle, are now acting in ways that undermine democratic values.
Obi wrote that history may ultimately judge some of these figures more harshly than the military regime they opposed, adding that leadership reveals true character when power is acquired.
“Yesterday defenders of democracy, today’s destroyers, what a shame. 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.
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He further suggested that Abacha’s era might be viewed in a different light by future generations when compared with current democratic practices, stating that the conduct of some modern political actors reflects poorly on Nigeria’s democratic progress.
Obi concluded his message with a call for national renewal, expressing optimism that a better Nigeria is still possible.
“A New Nigeria is POssible,” he added.
The statement has since sparked reactions across political and social media spaces, with supporters and critics offering differing interpretations of his remarks on Nigeria’s democratic history and present governance.