Human Rights Lawyer Slams Peter Obi Over Abacha Comments

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Kayode Oladele, an international human rights lawyer and former member of the House of Representatives, has criticized former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi for remarks comparing late Head of State Sani Abacha to democratic leaders.

Obi, in a post on his X handle, suggested that Abacha “now appears more democratic” than some individuals who fought for democracy during Nigeria’s military era, sparking widespread backlash.

Reacting on Friday, Oladele described Obi’s statement as “naive, reckless and a distortion of Nigeria’s democratic history.” He stressed that the Abacha regime represented one of the darkest periods in the country’s political life, marked by human rights abuses, repression, and the silencing of opposition voices.

“There is nothing democratic about the Abacha years,” Oladele said. “To suggest otherwise ignores the painful experiences of Nigerians who lived through that period.”

Oladele also defended the legacy of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), whose members risked detention, harassment, and exile to restore democracy after the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.

“The men and women of NADECO stood firmly against military rule at great personal cost. Their sacrifices laid the foundation for the democracy we enjoy today, and it is wrong to diminish their contributions,” he added.

Highlighting the importance of responsible public discourse, Oladele warned against sensational statements made for political relevance. He reaffirmed that Nigeria’s democracy, while imperfect, guarantees freedoms absent under military rule, including free speech, association, and political participation.

“Our democracy is a product of years of struggle and sacrifice. While there are challenges, it remains far better than any form of military rule,” Oladele said, urging political leaders to focus on solutions to national challenges rather than revisionist narratives.

As of Friday, Peter Obi had not issued any clarification or follow-up regarding his statement. Oladele called on Nigerians to remain committed to democratic ideals and reject attempts to glorify authoritarian regimes.