Abuja — A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, has cautioned Nigerians to remain vigilant, warning that democratic freedoms could disappear if citizens fail to defend them.
In a statement shared on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday, Obi stressed that democracy goes beyond periodic elections, insisting that it must be anchored on the protection of dissent, respect for the rule of law, and the independence of institutions.
Obi was reacting to a post by former Kaduna Central senator, Shehu Sani, as he raised concerns over what he described as growing authoritarian tendencies in democratic systems.
According to him, “When governments kill protesters, intimidate judges, punish free speech, and flout court orders, democracy isn’t evolving—it’s unraveling.” He added that the distinction between first-world and third-world democracies is becoming increasingly blurred, as many now operate with authoritarian practices despite democratic labels.
The former presidential candidate warned that once core democratic pillars collapse, the system itself loses legitimacy.
“Democracy is more than elections; it’s about protecting dissent, upholding institutions, and respecting rights. Citizens must stay vigilant or risk watching their freedoms vanish before their eyes,” Obi said.
His remarks have sparked renewed debate online about governance, civil liberties, and the state of democracy in Nigeria and beyond.
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