Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has criticised Peter Obi over his recent remarks on Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle, accusing him of diminishing the sacrifices of activists who opposed military rule.
Obi had, in a statement reacting to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) derecognition of leadership figures in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), suggested that late General Sani Abacha could be viewed as more democratic than some pro-democracy actors from the NADECO era.
The comment sparked backlash, with many faulting the comparison given the human rights record associated with the late military regime.
Reacting in a post on X on Friday, Fani-Kayode described Obi’s remarks as offensive and insensitive to the memory of those who fought against military dictatorship.
He said Obi’s statement amounted to an affront to those who lost their lives, freedom, and loved ones during the struggle against military rule, adding that the comment would be remembered negatively.
Fani-Kayode further accused Obi of trivialising the sacrifices made during the June 12 struggle, describing the remarks as unacceptable and deeply disrespectful.
He also warned that the development could have consequences for Obi’s political future, insisting that such comments undermine his chances of becoming Nigeria’s president.
According to him, “You have totally and completely lost your mind and this post of yours will go down in infamy as the most consequential one you ever made. What you have written today is way beyond politics and you have assaulted the senses and wounded the sensitivities of all those who lost their lives, liberty and loved ones during the struggle against fascism, dictatorship and military rule,
“To mock the memory of those that died fighting for democracy in the June 12 struggle and sacrificed their lives and liberty as members of NADECO in this way is unacceptable and unforgivable. Simply put, it is despicable,
“For this reason alone you stand accursed before the world, you shall never become President of our nation and, as from today, your dwindling star shall be totally eclipsed and fade away until it is no more.”
The exchange is the latest in reactions trailing INEC’s decision on the ADC leadership dispute, which continues to generate intense debate across the country’s political space.
