Nigeria’s Ambassador-designate to Germany, Femi Fani-Kayode, has criticised former presidential candidate Peter Obi over comments he made about Nigeria’s pro-democracy movement.
Obi had earlier stirred controversy after praising former military ruler Sani Abacha, while appearing to downplay the role of the National Democratic Coalition. In his statement, Obi suggested that Abacha might be remembered as more democratic and respectful of human rights than some activists from the NADECO era.
Reacting, Fani-Kayode described Obi’s remarks as an attempt to diminish the sacrifices of NADECO leaders and members, who he said played a central role in resisting military rule and restoring democracy in Nigeria. He stressed that many of them endured imprisonment, exile, torture, and even death during the struggle.
Fani-Kayode also alleged that Obi was aligned with Abacha during that period, while NADECO activists were actively opposing the regime. He further referenced the events surrounding the annulment of the 1993 Nigerian presidential election, linking key political figures to the crisis that followed.
In his remarks, he mentioned David Mark, claiming the former military officer played a controversial role during the June 12 saga involving MKO Abiola.
Fani-Kayode maintained that those who did not oppose military rule at the time should refrain from criticising those who risked their lives for democracy. He urged Obi to avoid what he described as attempts to rewrite history and to respect the legacy of pro-democracy activists.
He concluded by reflecting on the hardships faced during the military era, describing it as one of the darkest periods in Nigeria’s history, when the country came close to severe instability and division.
