A recent comment by opposition leader Peter Obi, comparing the APC-led government to the military regime of Sani Abacha, has continued to stir controversy across social media.Watch The Video Here
Mr Obi, in a post shared on his X handle on Thursday, April 2, 2026, accused the President Bola Tinubu-led APC government of being anti-democratic, contrary to its claim of having fought to protect democracy during the military era.
In the post titled, “Yesterday defenders of democracy, today’s destroyers, What a shame,” Mr Obi described the situation as “an irony of history”.
Part of the post read: “It is an irony of history that the acclaimed defenders of democracy and human rights who claimed to have fought for democracy during the era of General Sani Abacha now find themselves worse than the man they opposed.”
“Today, General Sani Abacha, once presumed face of oppression, will be remembered as seemingly more democratic and more respectful of human rights than the so-called champions of activism from the NADECO days. Power indeed reveals character.”
Meanwhile, netizens are divided over Mr Obi’s position, with many concurring while others have criticized him for the remarks.
A social media user with the handle @ConstantPolaris wrote, “I can confidently say that General Sani Abacha’s time, no matter how bad, was not as horrible as what we have today…”
Also, @sportsdokitor said, “Whether you like it or not, Peter Obi NADECO tweet yesterday is one of his most FACTUAL tweets ever. Under a NADECO activist leadership, our institutions have become useless: INEC, EFCC, ICPC, Judiciary, Senate, etc…”
@UchePOkoye added, “What Peter Obi said was very clear and accurate…”
@Ops4Choice clarifies, “Peter Obi’s point is not that Abacha was good. It is that the people who told us Abacha was bad are now doing what Abacha did.”
However, members and supporters of the ruling party have strongly criticised Mr Obi over the comment. A chieftain of the party, Femi Fani-Kayode, in a post on his X handle @realFFK, tackled Mr Obi for the comment, describing him as one who has “totally and completely lost” his mind, adding that he would never become Nigeria’s president.
Another supporter, @Timi_The_Law, wrote: “NADECO is a codeword for Yoruba. When they attack NADECO, they are subtly dismissing the struggles of people who died for Nigeria’s democracy. If you can’t see this, you are slow.”
Also, @adexsmithjr stated, “Peter obi talking down on NADECO is actually very funny because without NADECO peter obi wouldn’t have been governor. This self destruct is actually sad to see.”