Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has warned that Nigeria is drifting into what he described as a dangerous era of political thuggery, marked by increasing violence and intimidation against political opponents.
Obi made the remark in a statement on Monday while reacting to the alleged attack on the convoy of former Minister of Transportation and ex-governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi.
According to him, the attack on Amaechi and his supporters during a political event highlights what he described as the worsening condition of democracy in the country.
He also cited the burning of offices belonging to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the disruption of political meetings across the country as troubling signs of a growing pattern of political intimidation.
Obi said the failure of authorities to apprehend and prosecute those responsible for such acts poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s democratic system.
“The failure to arrest and prosecute those responsible for these heinous acts signals a grave danger—the steady erosion of the very foundation of democracy and the entrenchment of lawlessness by those entrusted to enforce the law,” he said.
The former Governor of Anambra State warned that if the situation is not addressed decisively, citizens may begin to take matters into their own hands in order to exercise their democratic rights.
He stressed that Nigeria cannot claim to be a true democracy when citizens and political actors face violence for organising meetings, expressing opinions or participating in political activities.
“A nation where thugs dictate who can gather, speak or campaign is not practising democracy,” Obi stated.
He urged Nigerians to reject political violence and defend democratic values such as the rule of law, accountability and the unrestricted participation of citizens in the political process.
Obi concluded by reiterating his belief that meaningful change is possible in Nigeria, saying, “A new Nigeria is not just possible; it is imperative, urgent and achievable.”