The presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has said that individuals who once championed democracy during Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle in the 1990s are now betraying those same ideals.
His remarks came after the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw recognition from leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by David Mark.
The ADC had earlier described INEC’s move as an attempt by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general election.
In a post shared on X, Obi noted that it was ironic that those who portrayed themselves as defenders of democracy and human rights during the military era are now displaying tendencies worse than the regime they once 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 further stated that the legacy of the late military ruler, widely criticised for authoritarian rule, is now being viewed differently in light of 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 added that the situation reflects how authority can influence individuals, noting that “power indeed reveals character”.
The National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) was a pro-democracy group established in 1994 following the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, widely believed to have been won by Moshood Abiola.
NADECO emerged as a leading opposition voice against Abacha’s military government, advocating for the restoration of democracy, recognition of the June 12 mandate, and respect for human rights. Its activities resulted in widespread crackdowns, with several members detained, harassed, or forced into exile.
Among those linked to the movement was President Bola Tinubu, who served as a senator at the time. Tinubu later went into exile during Abacha’s rule, where he continued supporting NADECO’s activities from abroad.