Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has raised alarm over what he described as Nigeria’s slide into a dangerous era of political thuggery, warning that persistent attacks on opposition figures threaten the country’s democratic foundations.
Obi said the nation appears to be drifting toward a climate where violence, intimidation and harassment are increasingly deployed to suppress political participation and silence dissent.
He cited the recent attack on former Rivers State governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, and the alleged assault on his supporters during a political gathering as evidence of the worsening situation.
According to Obi, the reported attack on Amaechi’s convoy in Rivers State, alongside the burning of offices belonging to the African Democratic Congress, ADC, and repeated disruptions of political meetings across the country, are troubling signs that Nigeria’s democratic space is shrinking.
He expressed concern that the failure to apprehend and prosecute those responsible for such acts could embolden perpetrators and undermine the rule of law.
“The continued absence of accountability sends a dangerous signal and threatens the very foundations of democracy,” Obi said, warning that unchecked violence in the political arena could push citizens toward taking drastic measures to defend their rights.
He stressed that Nigeria cannot genuinely claim to be a democracy if political actors and their supporters are attacked simply for organizing, expressing their views, or participating in lawful political activities.
“A nation where thugs determine who can gather, speak, or campaign is not practicing democracy,” he said, adding that such a situation risks pushing the country toward a regime defined by intimidation and political violence.
Obi called on Nigerians and relevant authorities to resist what he described as a descent into a “democracy of thuggery,” urging the promotion of a political culture anchored on competence, accountability, compassion and commitment to the common good.
He maintained that democracy must be guided by the rule of law, responsible leadership and the unrestricted participation of citizens in shaping the nation’s future.
“A new Nigeria is not just possible,” Obi said. “It is imperative, urgent and achievable.”
