Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has expressed deep concern over Nigeria’s escalating insecurity and what he described as deliberate attempts by the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, to destabilise opposition political parties.
Obi, in a statement titled “Now Disgraced Nation,” said recent events in the country validate widespread fears about worsening national security.
He cited the kidnapping of 25 people within a week, the killing of a military general alongside other officers, and the latest terror attack in Kwara State as indicators of a system in crisis.
According to him, instead of rallying citizens and political actors to confront these threats collectively, the government has become preoccupied with internal political interference and partisan disputes.
Obi referenced the current turmoil in major opposition parties including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party, and Social Democratic Party (SDP), alleging that the crises were “deliberately orchestrated” to weaken democratic structures at a time when national unity is urgently needed.
He contrasted the situation with an experience under the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, recounting how Yar’Adua had instructed the then INEC Chairman, Professor Maurice Iwu, to ensure that all political parties, whether ruling or opposition were allowed to function freely within the law, as their stability was vital to democracy.
Obi argued that the present administration has taken the opposite path, accusing it of actively attempting to fragment the PDP, Labour Party, SDP, and other political formations.
He stressed that in functioning democracies, opposition parties are respected, elections reflect the will of the people, and governance is inclusive to foster peace and prosperity.
Reaffirming his belief in national renewal, Obi concluded that “A New Nigeria is possible.”
