Peter Obi has condemned the reported attack on the African Democratic Congress (ADC) office in Bakassi Local Government Area of Cross River State, calling it a serious violation of democratic values in the country.
In response to the development, Obi stated that the destruction of a political party office by suspected thugs without any immediate arrests highlights a troubling decline in the country’s democratic culture.
“What happened at the ADC office in Bakassi, Cross River State, is more than just an attack on a political party; it is an attack on democracy itself,” he stated.
He believes that the situation raises serious concerns about the country’s leadership and accountability standards. He warned that when acts of violence against political institutions go unchecked, it sends a troubling signal about the state of Nigeria’s democratic system.
“When thugs can storm a party office and destroy property without being arrested, it demonstrates how dangerously low our democratic standards have sunk,” Obi said.
The former Anambra State governor also linked the incident to the country’s declining leadership standards, emphasising the importance of public office holders’ integrity in maintaining democratic governance.
“In the current state of Nigeria, what can we expect when leadership standards have plummeted to the point where qualification, certification, and credibility are no longer considered necessary for public office?” he enquired.
Obi also warned that allowing people accused of presenting forged certificates to run for and hold public office could erode public trust in the system and lead to further instability.
“The ability of individuals to present forged certificates for election sends a disturbing message to our society. If we continue on this path, violence may become the future of our democracy,” he said.
He warned that leadership based on fraud and intimidation cannot deliver long-term governance, as such practices will only breed chaos and insecurity.
“We must recognise that fraud and violence cannot produce true leadership; they will only cause chaos. “This chaos will eventually affect our children and us,” he explained.
Obi concluded his remarks on a hopeful note, repeating his long-standing message of national renewal.
“A new Nigeria is possible,” he stated.
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