Fani-Kayode Slams Peter Obi, Says His Presidential Ambitions Are Over Following NADECO Remarks

ABUJA — Former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode has issued a scathing response to 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, following the latter’s controversial comparison between Nigeria’s current political leadership and the military regime of the late General Sani Abacha.

The exchange marks a significant escalation in political rhetoric as the nation’s political class begins to realign ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Catalyst: Obi’s Comparison to the Abacha Era

The dispute began on Thursday when Peter Obi published a social media post highlighting what he termed a "historical irony." Obi suggested that individuals who once championed democracy as members of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) against the Abacha dictatorship are now governing in a manner he deems more repressive than the regime they opposed.

"Power indeed reveals character," Obi wrote. "[Abacha] will be remembered as seemingly more democratic and more respectful of human rights than the so-called champions of activism from the NADECO days."

While Obi did not name specific individuals, his comments were widely interpreted as a critique of the current administration and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Fani-Kayode’s Response: "Unacceptable and Unforgivable"

Reacting via a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, Fani-Kayode characterized Obi’s remarks as an assault on the memory of those who fought and died for the restoration of democracy during the June 12 struggle.

Key points of Fani-Kayode’s rebuttal include:

• Insensitivity to History: He argued that the comments "wounded the sensitivities" of those who lost their lives or liberty during the struggle against military rule.

• Despicable Mockery: He labeled the comparison "despicable," asserting that mocking the sacrifices made by NADECO members is "unforgivable."

• Political Prediction: Fani-Kayode concluded his statement with a definitive political forecast, asserting that Obi "shall NEVER become President of our nation."

The Broader Political Context

The friction between the two political figures occurs against a backdrop of rising tensions within the opposition. Recent internal crises within the African Democratic Congress (ADC)—specifically the derecognition of its executive following a court ruling—have led opposition figures to allege that the APC is attempting to destabilize rival parties.

The APC has officially denied these allegations, maintaining that the internal struggles of opposition parties are a result of their own administrative and legal failings rather than external interference.