Former Anambra State governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has raised alarm over what he described as a dangerous decline in Nigeria’s democratic space, warning that the country is sliding into an era of “political thuggery” marked by violence, intimidation, and the persecution of opposition figures.
In a series of posts on his X account on Monday, Obi accused the current administration of allowing violence and lawlessness to undermine democratic participation across the country.
“Nigeria is descending into a perilous era of political thuggery under the current administration, where violence and intimidation are increasingly weaponized to suppress democracy and stifle political participation,” Obi wrote.
Amaechi Attack Sparks Alarm
Obi’s comments followed the reported attack on former Rivers State governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, during a political engagement in Rivers State.
According to him, the attack on Amaechi’s convoy and supporters highlights the deteriorating state of political tolerance in the country.
“The recent attack on H.E. Rotimi Amaechi, a prominent opposition figure, and the brutal assault on his supporters during a political event starkly illustrate the deteriorating state of our democracy,” he said.
Obi also cited the alleged burning of offices belonging to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the disruption of political meetings across the country as signs of growing intolerance.
“The attack on Amaechi’s convoy in Rivers State, the orchestrated burning of African Democratic Congress offices, and the rampant disruption of political meetings nationwide are alarming developments that cannot be ignored,” he added.
He warned that the failure to apprehend those responsible could erode the foundations of democratic governance.
“The failure to arrest and prosecute those responsible for these heinous acts signals a grave danger—the steady erosion of the very foundation of democracy and the entrenchment of lawlessness by those entrusted to enforce the law,” Obi said.
According to him, continued intimidation of political actors could push citizens to seek other means to exercise their democratic rights.
“If we do not confront this troubling trend with unwavering resolve, citizens will feel compelled to take matters into their own hands simply to exercise their democratic rights.”
He further argued that a country cannot claim to practice democracy when citizens are threatened for participating in politics.
“Nigeria cannot claim to be a democracy while political actors are endangered simply for expressing themselves, organizing, or attending meetings. A nation where thugs dictate who can gather, speak, or campaign is not practicing democracy; it is careening toward a brutal regime of political thuggery, aided and abetted by those in power.”
Condemns Arrest of Opposition Leaders
In a separate post, Obi also condemned what he described as the persecution of political opponents under the guise of criminal prosecution.
“The current administration must put an end to the blatant persecution of political opponents disguised as criminal prosecution,” he said.
He expressed concern over the arrest and detention of senior figures in the African Democratic Congress, including former Attorney General of the Federation Abubakar Malami and former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai.
“The recent arrests and continued detention of key leaders from the African Democratic Congress, namely Mr. Abubakar Malami, former Attorney General of the Federation, and Malam Nasir El-Rufai, former Governor of Kaduna State is worrisome,” Obi stated.
He questioned the timing of their arrest, noting that it coincided with their political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections in Nigeria.
“The timing of their arrests—coinciding with their commitment to ensure the current administration is voted out in 2027—raises serious questions,” he said.
Obi also criticised the conditions surrounding the arrests and bail arrangements.
“Prosecutorial decisions must be grounded in concrete evidence and probable cause, transparently presented without ulterior motives. The undue denial of bail or unjustly stringent conditions imposed on bail leave little doubt that the government is wielding criminal prosecution as a weapon against its political opponents.”
He expressed particular concern about the handling of the case involving El-Rufai.
“The situation surrounding Malam El-Rufai is particularly concerning; his repeated transfers between the EFCC, ICPC, and DSS suggest a desperate search for any charge that might stick, straying dangerously close to a fishing expedition rather than a credible investigation.”
Call for Rule of Law
Obi stressed that Nigeria needs a justice system that guarantees fairness and protects political freedoms.
“I firmly believe that Nigeria requires a civil and criminal justice system that instills confidence in every citizen—that no one should fear persecution for their political beliefs or actions disapproved by those in power,” he said.
While reaffirming his support for the fight against corruption, Obi insisted it must not be selective.
“I wholeheartedly support the fight against corruption and wrongdoing, but it must be conducted with integrity and transparency, starting with those currently in power rather than targeting opponents.”
He concluded with a call for a more accountable and inclusive political environment.
“A credible anti-corruption campaign cannot afford to be selective… A New Nigeria is not just possible; it is imperative, urgent, and achievable.”
