Fani-Kayode slams Obi over NADECO comment, says presidency out of reach

Former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode has strongly criticised Peter Obi over his recent comments on the pro-democracy struggle of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), declaring that the former presidential candidate would never become Nigeria’s president.

The backlash followed Obi’s post on X in which he suggested that some politicians who once presented themselves as defenders of democracy during the late General Sani Abacha era now govern in ways worse than the dictatorship they once opposed.

Reacting on Friday, Fani-Kayode described Obi’s remarks as deeply offensive to the memory of those who fought and died during the June 12 pro-democracy struggle.

He said the comment went “beyond politics,” arguing that it disrespected those who lost their lives, freedom, and loved ones in the resistance against military rule. He further described any attempt to diminish the sacrifices of NADECO members as unacceptable and unforgivable.

In a sharply worded response, Fani-Kayode said Obi’s statement had effectively ended his presidential ambitions, insisting that he would never lead the country.

Obi had earlier written that it was a “historical irony” that individuals once celebrated for defending democracy and human rights during the Abacha years now appeared worse than the man they opposed.

Without mentioning anyone by name, the former Anambra governor said Abacha could now be seen as “more democratic and more respectful of human rights” than some self-acclaimed champions of activism from the NADECO era, concluding that power ultimately reveals character.

Although Obi did not directly name any politician, his post has been widely linked to the ongoing leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), following the Independent National Electoral Commission’s derecognition of the David Mark-led executive after a court ruling.

The development has further heightened political tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections, with opposition figures accusing the ruling APC of fueling the crisis — an allegation the party has denied.