Fani-Kayode, Bwala Attack Peter Obi Over June 12 Comments

Another round of political clash has erupted as Femi Fani-Kayode launched a fierce attack on Peter Obi over his comments on the June 12 struggle.

The controversy began on Thursday when Obi posted on X questioning the legacy of some pro-democracy activists from the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) era.

“What an irony of history, that the acclaimed defenders of democracy… now find themselves worse than the man they opposed.”

Obi’s statement referenced the regime of Sani Abacha, whose rule between 1993 and 1998 was one of Nigeria’s harshest military dictatorship periods.

“Abacha will be remembered as seemingly more democratic… than the so-called champions of activism from the NADECO days.”

His remarks were widely interpreted as criticism of President Bola Tinubu, a known figure in the NADECO resistance during the annulment of the June 12, 1993 election.

Fani-Kayode Calls Obi’s Comments ‘Unforgivable’

Reacting on Friday, Fani-Kayode condemned Obi’s statement as an insult to those who fought military rule.

“This is way beyond politics.”

“It has assaulted the senses and wounded the sensitivities of all those that lost their lives… during the struggle against dictatorship.”

He said the remarks disrespected sacrifices made by activists who resisted the annulment of the June 12 election, widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest poll.

“To mock the memory of those that died fighting for democracy… is unacceptable and unforgivable.”

Fani-Kayode then dismissed Obi’s presidential ambition entirely.

“You shall NEVER become President of our nation.”

The June 12 struggle remains a defining moment in Nigeria’s democratic history, leading to years of activism against military rule before the return to civilian governance in 1999.

Many of the activists were from the South West, from where both Tinubu and Mr. Kayode hail from.

Bwala Joins Criticism, Questions Obi’s Appeal

Meanwhile, presidential aide Daniel Bwala didn’t miss his opportunity to tow same line during an appearance on News Central TV.

“Peter Obi will never be president. He will never cross the central business district that will lead Aso Villa.”

Bwala argued that leadership requires deeper grassroots acceptance and personal authenticity.

“The person must be visionary… organic grassrooted, not manipulation.”

He further alleged that Obi’s past support base was built on narratives targeted at religious communities.

“Peter Obi does not have a grassroot… that narrative is what he used in rallying support among pastors.”

The remarks come amid a sudden wave of internal tensions within the African Democratic Congress, where Obi might be contesting.

Yet Obi and his supporters were similarly dismissed in the last election in 2023, but came a close third, defeating the ruling party in key states of the federation.

His supporters go as far as to insist he won the election, but the establishment preferred a different candidate.

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