Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has issued a stark warning about the future of Nigeria’s democracy, urging citizens to rally under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to resist what he described as a dangerous slide toward a one-party system.
Speaking ahead of a planned protest at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja, Obi called on Nigerians to “stand up and defend the sanctity of democratic ideals,” warning that the concentration of political power in a single dominant party would amount to “an aberration” with far-reaching consequences.
“We cannot afford to sleepwalk into a one-party state,” Obi said. “Democracy thrives on competition, accountability, and the freedom of choice. Any attempt—deliberate or otherwise—to erode these principles must be resisted by all well-meaning Nigerians.”
Obi, who was the Labour Party’s presidential flag bearer in the 2023 election, framed the planned demonstration as a civic duty rather than a partisan exercise. He urged young people, civil society groups, and political stakeholders to participate peacefully in demanding transparency and institutional independence.
The call comes at a turbulent moment for the ADC itself. The party is currently embroiled in a leadership crisis, with at least three factions laying claim to its control. Among the prominent groups are those aligned with former Senate President David Mark and another led by Nafiu Bala, deepening uncertainty over the party’s direction.
Despite the internal rift, Obi maintained that the ADC remains a viable platform for mobilising democratic resistance. “Institutions may face challenges, but the responsibility to safeguard democracy ultimately lies with the people,” he said.
Political analysts say Obi’s remarks reflect growing concerns within opposition circles about shrinking political space and the weakening of multiparty competition in Nigeria. However, critics argue that calls for mass mobilisation must also address internal party cohesion to be effective.
As tensions build ahead of the planned protest, attention is now focused on how authorities will respond and whether the demonstration will mark a turning point in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.
For many Nigerians, Obi’s message strikes a familiar chord: a reminder that democracy, however fragile, demands constant vigilance.
