Chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mr Peter Obi, has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of using political thuggery, violence and intimidation to weaponise and suppress democracy and stifle political participation.
Obi in a statement on X on Monday, said the recent attack on former River State governor Rotimi Amaechi, a prominent opposition figure, and the brutal assault on his supporters during a political event, illustrate the deteriorating state of the nation’s democracy.
“The attack on Amaechi’s convoy in Rivers State, the orchestrated burning of African Democratic Congress (ADC) offices, and the rampant disruption of political meetings nationwide are alarming developments that cannot be ignored,” he said.
The former Labour Party presidential candidate said the failure to arrest and prosecute those responsible for these heinous acts is erosion of the very foundation of democracy and the entrenchment of lawlessness by those entrusted to enforce the law.
“If we do not confront this troubling trend with unwavering resolve, citizens will feel compelled to take matters into their own hands simply to exercise their democratic rights.
“Nigeria cannot claim to be a democracy while political actors are endangered simply for expressing themselves, organising, or attending meetings.
“A nation where thugs dictate who can gather, speak, or campaign is not practicing democracy; it is careening toward a brutal regime of political thuggery, aided and abetted by those in power,” he said.
Obi condemned “this descent into a democracy of thuggery.”
He added that Nigerians deserve a political environment organised through competency, capacity, compassion,and commitment to the good of society, not one controlled by incompetence and thuggery.
“Democracy must be defined by the rule of law, accountability, competence, and the unrestricted participation of citizens in shaping their nation’s future through political actions.
“A New Nigeria is not just possible; it is imperative, urgent, and achievable,” Obi said.
