It is a shame that yesterday’s defenders of democracy are today’s destroyers – Obi

Peter Obi, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, on Thursday criticised recent political developments in the country, saying individuals who once portrayed themselves as champions of democracy during the military era have now become threats to the same democratic ideals they claimed to defend.

Obi made the remark while reacting to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) decision to derecognize the David Mark led leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing the situation as a troubling irony in Nigeria’s democratic history.

In a strongly worded statement, the former Anambra State governor said it was unfortunate that some political actors who were prominent in the pro-democracy struggle during the General Sani Abacha era now appear to be presiding over actions that undermine democratic values.

“Yesterday’s defenders of democracy are today’s destroyers. What a shame,” Obi said.

According to him, history may judge the current political climate harshly if actions capable of weakening democratic institutions continue unchecked.

“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 said.

Obi noted that the late military ruler, widely regarded during his lifetime as a symbol of authoritarian rule, could now be remembered differently when compared with the actions of some contemporary political leaders.

“Today, General Sani Abacha, once presumed to be the face of oppression, may even 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,” he added.

Although he did not mention specific names, Obi’s comments were widely interpreted as a reference to some members of the current political leadership who were part of the pro-democracy movement during the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) struggle against military rule.

The former governor warned that undermining democratic institutions could erode public trust and threaten the stability of Nigeria’s political system.

He urged political leaders to remain faithful to the ideals of democracy, respect for the rule of law, and the protection of civil liberties, stressing that the sacrifices made during the struggle for democratic governance must not be betrayed.

Obi also called on Nigerians to remain vigilant in safeguarding the country’s democracy, noting that the strength of any democratic system lies in the collective resolve of citizens to defend it.