A Crying Shame!” – Femi Fani-Kayode Blasts Peter Obi Over NADECO Attack

Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has criticised remarks made by former presidential candidate Peter Obi regarding the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), describing them as disgraceful and unacceptable.

Peter Obi had recently suggested that some individuals who were active in the pro-democracy struggle during the regime of late military ruler Sani Abacha are now behaving in ways worse than the former leader. Speaking broadly about the state of democracy in Nigeria, Obi implied that Abacha could even be seen as more democratic than some of those who once championed democratic ideals, though he did not mention specific names.

Reacting via a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Fani-Kayode accused Obi of attempting to diminish the role played by NADECO in Nigeria’s fight against military rule. He defended members of the group, noting that they made significant sacrifices, including imprisonment, exile, and persecution, in their resistance to Abacha’s regime.

He also expressed disappointment that some former NADECO figures, such as Dele Momodu and Rauf Aregbesola, are now associated with individuals he believes are undermining the legacy of the pro-democracy movement.

Fani-Kayode further criticised the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing it as ineffective, and took aim at its National Chairman, David Mark, over his alleged role during the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election won by late businessman MKO Abiola.

In his remarks, Fani-Kayode argued that NADECO members played a pivotal role in restoring democracy in Nigeria and should not be discredited. He also accused Obi of siding with the military government during that era, contrasting it with the sacrifices made by pro-democracy activists.

He concluded by insisting that the contributions and sacrifices of those who fought against military rule must not be forgotten, stressing that attempts to undermine their legacy would continue to attract strong opposition.