Fani-Kayode slams Obi, says he'll never occupy the Presidency for belittling NADECO's fight

Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has denounced Peter Obi's recent comments on Nigeria's pro-democracy struggle, alleging that he has downplayed the sacrifices of activists who resisted military rule, and in doing so, has shown disrespect to their memory.

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Obi's statement, which was a reaction to the Independent National Electoral Commission's (INEC) decision to derecognize certain leadership figures in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), suggested that the late General Sani Abacha, a former dictator, could be viewed as more democratic than some of his critics, despite the numerous human rights abuses that occurred during his regime.

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Obi stated, “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, as power indeed reveals character,” a comment that sparked outrage and backlash.

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Fani-Kayode responded to Obi's remarks on X, describing them as deeply offensive to the memory of those who fought against military dictatorship, and stating that Obi's post would be remembered as one of the most infamous he had ever made.

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He further criticized Obi, saying, “You have totally and completely lost your mind and this post of yours will go down in infamy as the most consequential one you ever made, and what you have written today is way beyond politics, as you have assaulted the senses and wounded the sensitivities of all those who lost their lives, liberty and loved ones during the struggle against fascism, dictatorship and military rule,” he said.

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Fani-Kayode also accused Obi of trivializing the sacrifices made during the June 12 struggle, and stated that mocking the memory of those who died fighting for democracy in this way was unacceptable and unforgivable, describing it as despicable.

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The former minister issued a strong warning to Obi regarding his future in politics, saying, “For this reason alone you stand accursed before the world, you shall never become President of our nation and, as from today, your dwindling star shall be totally eclipsed and fade away until it is no more,” in a stern condemnation of Obi's comments.

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The exchange between Fani-Kayode and Obi marks the latest reaction to INEC's decision on the ADC leadership dispute, which has generated heated responses across Nigeria's political landscape.