By George Omagbemi Sylvester
Femi Fani-Kayode, Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to Germany and a former Minister of Aviation, has responded to remarks by Peter Obi, who suggested that late military ruler, General Sani Abacha, was more democratic than some present-day political actors who were once part of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO).”
Fani-Kayode’s response was reported on Friday, April 3, 2026.
The controversy began after Obi wrote on X that Abacha, “once presumed face of oppression,” might now appear “more democratic and more respectful of human rights” than some former NADECO figures now active in partisan politics. Fani-Kayode reacted furiously, accusing Obi of distorting history, insulting pro-democracy veterans, and trivialising the sacrifices made during Nigeria’s darkest military years. He argued that while NADECO activists faced detention, exile, torture and assassination threats, Obi allegedly “served” within the broader Abacha-era establishment rather than resisting it.
Why this matters is larger than a personal quarrel. This is a battle over historical memory, democratic legitimacy, and who gets to claim moral authority in Nigeria’s political future.
The deeper issue is not only whether Obi’s comment was provocative, but whether today’s politicians are now weaponising the trauma of the June 12 struggle to score present-day partisan points.
In a country where democratic credentials are often loudly advertised but thinly practiced, this clash shows that Nigeria is still fighting over the meaning of its own political past.
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