Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has raised serious concerns over the direction of Nigeria’s democracy, citing recent events as indicative of a deepening disregard for the rule of law, human rights, and civic freedoms.
In a public statement, Obi pointed to the deteriorating state of governance and civil liberties in the country, emphasizing how the growing hardship faced by citizens is being unnecessarily aggravated by heavy-handed actions from state actors.
He highlighted the recent arrest of popular social commentator Martin Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), as a disturbing example. While acknowledging that security agencies may operate within their legal bounds, Obi criticized the manner of the arrest as needlessly aggressive and opaque.
“The arrest of Martin Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), though perhaps within the legal rights of security agencies, was carried out in a manner that left many Nigerians unsettled,” Obi said.
He described the use of force as lacking transparency and civility, and warned that such operations resemble abductions more than lawful arrests.
“The display of force, lacking in transparency and civility, closely resembled an abduction — a disturbing method that not only creates fear but also risks being mimicked by criminal elements,” he said. “If Nigerians begin to struggle to distinguish between legitimate arrests and unlawful abductions, we will lose a vital layer of national security and accountability.”
Obi noted that this worrisome pattern is not new, recalling that even members of the judiciary — the very custodians of justice — have faced similar indignities in recent years.
“When those who interpret the law are treated with such disregard, it is difficult to expect that ordinary citizens will feel protected under the law.”
He also drew attention to the economic ramifications of these authoritarian tendencies. Specifically, he cited the backlash faced by Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank), which was allegedly linked to the circumstances of Mr. Otse’s arrest.
“The backlash directed at GTBank, allegedly linked to the circumstances surrounding Mr. Otse’s arrest, has had serious reputational consequences. At a time when investor confidence is already fragile, we must do all we can to avoid actions that tarnish institutions or undermine the trust of both citizens and the international community.”
Obi questioned the need for such dramatics, wondering whether a lawful and respectful invitation could not have been used instead of a spectacle that has brought shame and potential financial loss to all involved.
“Was it impossible to invite Mr. Otse in a civil, transparent, and legal manner? Would that not have spared Nigerians, GTBank, and our national image the unnecessary shame and losses we now witness?”
Turning to the student community, Obi expressed alarm over troubling allegations concerning the so-called adoption of the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS). If the reports are true, he said, it raises grave concerns about the erosion of independent student leadership and suppression of youth voices.
“Nigeria’s youth should not feel coerced, silenced, or absorbed into political agendas that do not reflect their will. The oppression of young voices, whether through force, patronage, or intimidation, is a dangerous path that we must not normalize.”
Peter Obi concluded by urging a return to a Nigeria grounded in justice, dignity, and institutional integrity.
“We must return to a Nigeria where justice is done and is seen to be done without theatrics or abuse. A country where youth can speak freely, judges can serve with dignity, and institutions act responsibly. That is the Nigeria we must rebuild.”
He closed with a hopeful declaration:
“A new Nigeria is POssible!” – PO
