By Abadom Lawrence Amechi
SINCE 1999, Nigeria’s democracy has been stained by high-profile political assassinations that remain unresolved. The killings of Chief Bola Ige, Chief Funsho Williams, Chief A.K. Dikibo, and Chief Marshall Harry — all under the PDP — are still fresh in our memory.
Under the APC, the pattern continues: the murder of Chief Philip Shekwo, Nasarawa State APC Chairman; the killing of Hon. Dzughgba in Benue; and the reported assassination attempt on Sumaila Mohammed Attah, an APC House of Assembly aspirant in Kogi State. There are many more. Political violence has not spared any party or era.
Now, the NDC — the party Obi and the Obidient Movement hoped to use for 2027 — has been deregistered. The Federal High Court in Lokoja, following a suit by the unregistered Peace Movement Party over the NDC logo, overturned its earlier order that INEC register the party.
This is why, if a presidential aspirant like Mr. Peter Obi expresses fear for his life, it must be taken seriously. It cannot be politicized. He is not Jesus, and his death cannot benefit Nigeria. He can only contribute to the country’s growth while alive.
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Worldwide, political assassinations thrive where political space is closed and polarization is high. States that lack political unity, have diverse ethnic groups, and exclude some citizens also lose legitimacy — and attacks on leaders become more likely.
That is exactly what we have seen in the last 3 years. Under President Tinubu, the APC stands accused of shrinking democratic space, using state coercion, blackmail, and inducements to poach the opposition. 33 APC governors later, and with a decimated opposition, the pattern is clear.
There is also a real fear that the Tinubu-led APC government wants to stop Peter Obi from contesting in 2027. That cannot be ignored. It may not be paranoia.
Each time Obi enters a party, crisis follows.
In the Labour Party, disputes over tenure and authentic executives kept the party unsettled for months despite court rulings. The crisis only ended when Obi left for the ADC. Today, the Labour Party has a recognized NWC led by Dr Esther Nenadi Usman.
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When Obi aligned with the ADC, the party was immediately engulfed in crisis. Factional battles erupted between camps led by Senator David Mark, Nafiu Bala-Gombe, Dumebi Kachikwu, and Hon. Leke Abejide. There were parallel conventions and contradictory congresses.
The crisis deepened when the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, publicly advised Hon. Leke Abejide to “fight and scatter” rival factions in the ADC. Coming from the President’s Chief of Staff, that statement is widely seen as reflecting the position of government.
Instead of attacks, aspirants should tell Nigerians how they plan to improve our lives. Supporters should amplify plans and programs of their candidates for good governance, not abuse. Insults get us nowhere.
Now, the NDC — the party Obi and the Obidient Movement hoped to use for 2027 — has been deregistered. The Federal High Court in Lokoja, following a suit by the unregistered Peace Movement Party over the NDC logo, overturned its earlier order that INEC register the party.
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NDC has appealed and secured a stay, and INEC has allowed it to upload candidates. But concerns remain. Many allege the ruling party has “spanners in the works” and that the worst is yet to come.
In an interview with Chude Jideonwo, Peter Obi said the ruling party continues to monitor and frustrate him. He added that, at this rate, he may not even be alive to contest in 2027.
The response of government was swift. Mr. Bayo Onanuga dismissed the claims of assassination and death threats as “fabricated lies” and insisted the government is focused on economic reforms, not Obi’s businesses like Fidelity Bank.
Undoubtedly, Peter Obi is the main opposition today. APC spokespersons and even some in the ADC give him close marking. His movements and statements are constant targets.
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Even so-called opposition figures are complicit. Omoyele Sowore rarely finishes a sentence without attacking Obi, instead of holding the APC government accountable.
APC leaders have joined in. Former Borno Governor Ali Modu Sheriff had nothing to say in a recent TV interview except to criticize Obi. Hajia Naja’atu Mohammed, who has toured the country accusing the APC of ruining Nigeria, has now launched a campaign against Obi in favour of Atiku Abubakar.
We have argued repeatedly that democracy thrives on plural participation. Everyone is free to support the party or candidate of their choice.
Instead of attacks, aspirants should tell Nigerians how they plan to improve our lives. Supporters should amplify plans and programs of their candidates for good governance, not abuse. Insults get us nowhere.
Today, apart from Peter Obi and Prince Adewole Adebayo, no other aspirant is telling Nigerians what they intend to do with power. For President Bola Tinubu, only performance can determine his re-election.
The government owes Obi, and every Nigerian, protection. The murder of any candidate will only take us backwards.
