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Obi’s Civility Mandate: Reclaiming Opposition Politics from the Politics of Toxicity
Obi’s Civility Mandate: Reclaiming Opposition Politics from the Politics of Toxicity
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | SaharaWeeklyNG.com
“Why condemning insults against coalition partners is not just strategy, but a moral imperative for Nigeria’s democratic renewal.”
In an era when political discourse increasingly resembles a battlefield littered with verbal grenades, Peter Obi’s unmistakable declaration that “anyone insulting ADC leaders is a criminal, not an Obidient” marks not merely a rhetorical pivot, but a fundamental moral stance in Nigeria’s fractious political landscape.
Obi, the former Labour Party presidential candidate and one of the most consequential voices in Nigerian politics today, delivered the statement at an engagement of his Obidient Movement. In unmistakable terms he dissociated himself and his movement from the tidal wave of infighting poisoning the opposition coalition, insisting that resorting to name-calling, mudslinging and personal attacks does not belong in the politics he envisions for the nation.
This stance is not a trivial reprimand. It is a clarion call for a higher standard of political engagement at a time when Nigeria grapples with deepening insecurity, unemployment, institutional dysfunction and widening distrust between leaders and citizens. The significance of Obi’s statement is profound and its implications extend well beyond intra-party disagreements.
A Foundational Rejection of Toxic Politics.
Mr. Obi’s emphasis that verbal attacks against coalition partners or whether within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition or among the broader opposition (are signs of criminal behavior, not genuine political advocacy) reframes how political movements should conduct themselves.
He refused to allow political identity to be weaponized against personal dignity. In his own words, those hurling insults are not authentic Obidients but “criminals that are not Obidient people.”
This matters for two reasons:
It anchors political contestation back to ideas and governance priorities rather than personality attacks.
It preserves the moral credibility of a movement that has attracted millions of Nigerians tired of corrosive politics.
In saying so, Obi effectively rejects a politics of vitriol that has, for decades, stood as an impediment to democratic deepening in Nigeria. Where political debate once focused on issues and policy, it all too often collapses into ad hominem attacks, death of ideas by drowning in anger.
Context: Opposition Realignment and Internal Strain.
Nigeria’s opposition has been in flux since the 2023 general elections. Parties and movements coalesced into what became the ADC coalition, seeking to offer a viable alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Embedded within that coalition are figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Rotimi Amaechi, Nasir el-Rufai and other veterans of Nigeria’s political field.
As Obi engaged with the coalition, tensions emerged. Supporters of different aspirants, driven by fervent hope for leadership change, began to clash (sometimes online, sometimes in street protests) over ideas of zoning, prioritization and political leadership direction. Some of these disputes degraded into personal attacks.
In response, Obi’s emphatic repudiation of those attacks was not mere politeness. It was a strategic and ethical refusal to allow the opposition’s project to be undermined by the very habits of contempt that Nigerians have grown weary of under years of governance failures.
Why Civility Is Strategic Politics.
At first glance, insisting on respectful dialogue might appear soft politics in a hard political world. Yet respected political theorists have long argued that healthy democracies require norms of mutual respect, even amidst passionate disagreement.
The late political scientist Robert Dahl observed that “democracy is not merely a system of institutions; it is a culture of respect, dialogue and mutual tolerance.” When that culture is abandoned for polarization, democratic systems weaken and may eventually collapse into extremism or authoritarian habits.
By repudiating insults (even from within his own rank and file) Obi demonstrates an adherence to democratic norms that scholars say are essential for political legitimacy. Political psychologist Dr. Jonathan Haidt echoes this in his work on social cohesion, arguing that political movements that police toxic language are better positioned to build inclusive coalitions and durable governance frameworks. Such restraint signals maturity and a long-term view of national interest over short-term factional advantage.
A Principle-First Approach, Not Personality Politics.
Obi’s rebuke of abusive rhetoric is not a call for blind loyalty or silence in disagreement. Rather, it is a principled commitment that disagreements within democratic politics should advance through debate, persuasion and principle, never through degrading those with whom one disagrees.
This distinction is crucial. Civility is not the absence of dissent; it is dissent conducted with dignity.
This stance distinguishes Obi’s Obidient Movement from other movements in Nigerian politics. It counters narratives that portray his supporters as reactive or hostile and positions them instead as advocates of disciplined political engagement focused on solving Nigeria’s systemic problems.
Reframing Political Discourse: Issues Over Insults.
In his statement, Obi urged supporters to concentrate on the pressing challenges Nigeria faces: out-of-school children, hunger, unemployment, insecurity and widespread kidnappings.
This grounding in substantive issues reflects a broader philosophy in policy-oriented politics: discourse should elevate concerns that affect citizens’ lives rather than consume itself with internal squabbles.
Former U.S. President Abraham Lincoln captured the essence of political purpose when he said, “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” In a Nigerian context, if opposition politics devotes itself to name-calling, it betrays the very voters demanding accountability, competence and sustainable governance.
The Political Risks of Toxicity.
Why does this matter now, because toxicity in political movements is not just unprofessional, it is harmful.
Political science research shows that:
Electoral alliances built on bitter internal conflict rarely endure. Sections of coalition partners may defect, voter confidence may erode and narratives of incompetence can gain traction.
Toxic discourse can amplify divisions along ethnic, regional and religious lines, which Nigeria, with its historical regional and identity sensitivities, cannot afford ahead of national elections.
When insults become normalized, adversaries of democratic reform benefit. They use chaos to justify centralization, suppression or rule by decree. What starts as internal bickering can metastasize into a crisis of legitimacy and national instability.
Obi’s Leadership Test.
By disowning verbal attacks, Obi invites his supporters (and Nigerian politics) to a far higher standard of engagement. He calls for restraint without surrendering ambition; for firmness without bitterness; for advocacy without abuse.
In doing so, Obi’s message resonates with scholars like Norman Ornstein, who asserts that “democracy dies in darkness and thrives in the light of thoughtful, civil, informed dialogue.” This is not a call for passivity. It is a call to elevate the discourse while staying laser-focused on outcomes that impact Nigeria’s future.
Parting Thought: A Turn Toward Democratic Maturity.
Peter Obi’s statement is not a garden-variety political rebuke. It is a critical inflection point in Nigerian politics that emphasizes:
The importance of respect in political coalitions
The necessity of focusing on policy and governance not personalities
The moral foundation for opposition unity built on discourse not division
As Nigeria prepares for future elections and the challenges of nation-building ahead, Obi’s stance reminds us that leadership begins with how we speak to and about one another. Civility in politics is not weakness, it is strength, courage and a profound demonstration of a movement that seeks to govern with integrity, not insult.
In a country yearning for change, repositioning political language toward respect and substance may be the most transformative act of leadership of all.
Journalists for Good Governance Shines Searchlight on Local Government Administration
…Calls for Accountability in Nigeria’s Grassroots Governance
LAGOS, Nigeria — A civil society coalition known as Journalists for Good Governance(JGG) has intensified public debate on transparency and accountability within Nigeria’s local government system, urging media professionals, civil society actors, and citizens to hold grassroots leaders accountable.
Speaking an event in Lagos recently, the acting chairman of the society, Comrade Bunmi Obarotimi said that despite reforms such as the Supreme Court’s 2024 ruling granting financial autonomy to all 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs), systemic challenges continues to hinder effective service delivery and responsible stewardship of public funds.
“Local governments are the closest tier of government to the people — yet too often they remain the least transparent. Without civic oversight and vibrant media, promises of autonomy ring hollow.” the acting chairman said.
The Journalist for Good Governance emphasised crucial roles that journalists can play in uncovering discrepancies in council spending, flagging poor service delivery, and educating citizens on their rights. Their call comes amid wider efforts by media and civic organisations to bridge accountability gaps. The civil society initiatives had previously launched monitoring campaigns to track local government expenditures and have been quietly advocating for transparency in how public money is deployed.
The leaders of the Journalists for Good Governance (JGG) highlighted the importance of physical assessment and citizens engagement on projects to boost people’s confidence, urging local councils to adopt open data platforms and proactive information dissemination in compliance with the Freedom of Information Act. Experts say the majority of LGAs currently lack operational websites or digital portals, further limiting public scrutiny.
The Journalists for Good Governance initiative aligns with sustained advocacy by civil society groups and governance experts calling for a collective approach to strengthening democratic accountability, and has decided to engage in critical and holistic assessments of how Local Governments is being run and the impact and quality of projects they embark-on and to address deficits in transparency and public trust.
Meanwhile, some state governments have signalled support for improved community engagement. In Lagos State, authorities reiterated a commitment to enhancing community media platforms as vehicles for civic participation and accountability at the grassroots level.
The renewed spotlight on local government administration has reignited public debate over fiscal responsibility and priorities. Controversies such as the widely criticised Adamawa council chairmen’s wives trip to Istanbul — which drew public outrage for perceived misuse of public funds — underscore why watchdog groups say stronger oversight mechanisms are urgently needed at the grassroots.
Citizens and activists have welcomed the journalists’ initiative, calling for sustained media engagement that goes beyond headlines to influence policy and accountability reform.
The civic rights advocates note that real change will require robust legal frameworks, a free press, and empowered communities equipped to demand transparency at every level of governance.
As Journalists for Good Governance mobilises its members, the coming months are likely to see heightened media attention on grassroots administration — from council budgets and service delivery to the enforcement of public information laws and digital transparency initiatives.
Good Politics Or Just Power? Two Years After The Elections
Two years after the last general election, Nigerians are justified in asking a direct question: is our democracy stronger today than it was then? Democracy is not measured by how many offices a party controls or how loudly politicians speak. It is measured by integrity, accountability, and the lived experience of the people. Good Politics demands more than victory at the polls; it demands moral leadership and visible progress in the lives of citizens.
The debate over amendments to the Electoral Act should have provided an opportunity to deepen transparency and strengthen public confidence. Instead, hesitation to fully embrace reforms that safeguard credible vote transmission and accountability has fueled doubt. In a nation where electoral credibility remains fragile, any reluctance to reinforce safeguards sends the wrong signal. Good Politics stands firmly for processes that are open, fair, and beyond suspicion.
The party in power commands significant authority across the federation. With control of the presidency, many state governments, a strong presence in the National Assembly, and influence at local levels, there should be no anxiety about reforms that ensure free and fair elections. Confidence in leadership is demonstrated not by dominance, but by a willingness to subject power to scrutiny. Politics rooted in the omoluabi ethos embraces fairness, transparency, and responsibility, even when inconvenient.
This is the standard long associated with Awolowo, whose politics emphasized discipline, social welfare, education, and institutional strength. His vision was not merely about holding office, but about transforming society through principled governance. Good Politics follows that tradition. It rejects manipulation, arrogance, and the concentration of power without accountability. It insists that authority must serve the people, not itself.
Beyond electoral reforms, democracy must deliver tangible relief. Across the country, households struggle with rising prices and shrinking purchasing power. Small businesses are burdened by escalating costs. Young people search for opportunities that remain scarce. When economic hardship deepens, democracy feels abstract. Good Politics recognizes that political legitimacy is reinforced when citizens can see and feel the benefits of governance.
The concentration of power within a single political structure should translate into coordinated reform and measurable development. When it does not, questions naturally arise. Democracy weakens when dominance replaces performance. It weakens when loyalty to party eclipses loyalty to principle. The omoluabi tradition teaches that character defines leadership. Without character, authority becomes hollow.
A healthy democracy requires credible elections and compassionate governance. It requires leaders who understand that politics is a moral enterprise. Two years into this administration, many Nigerians remain uncertain about the direction of both our democratic processes and their daily welfare. If democracy is to endure, it must reflect Good Politics: fairness in competition, integrity in conduct, and compassion in governance. Anything less falls short of the standard that our history and our values demand.
GEN CHRISTOPHER GWABIN MUSA SUPPORT INITIATIVE COMMENDS STATE-FEDERAL COLLABORATION IN ZAMFARA
The Gen Christopher Gwabin Musa Support Initiative (GCGMSI) has commended the Zamfara State Government for its decisive contribution to security operations through the donation of newly acquired armoured personnel carriers (APCs), surveillance drones, and other critical operational equipment to troops and security agencies in the state.
This commendation was contained in a statement signed by the Convener of the GCGMSI, Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani, Sadaukin Garkuwan Keffi/Betara Biu, and made available to the press.
The equipment was formally commissioned on Wednesday, February 18, by the Grand Patron of the GCGMSI and Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, OFR (rtd.), in a ceremony at the Government House, Gusau. The event was attended by senior military officers, heads of security agencies, and top officials of the Zamfara State Government.
The GCGMSI, in its statement, hailed the donation as a “transformative and timely intervention” that aligns perfectly with its core objective of advocating for and supporting tangible measures that enhance the operational capacity and welfare of Nigeria’s security forces. The Initiative praised Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration for moving beyond rhetoric to actionable, material support, describing the move as a “blueprint for state-level collaboration in national security.”
“The provision of these assets by the Zamfara State Government is a testament to visionary leadership and a profound commitment to the peace and stability of its people,” the GCGMSI statement read. “It represents the exact kind of synergistic partnership between state and federal authorities that the GCGMSI champions. This initiative will significantly close operational gaps, boost the confidence of our gallant troops, and send a strong message to criminal elements.”
Speaking at the commissioning, General Musa emphasized that sustained collaboration is indispensable in confronting the nation’s evolving security challenges. He specifically commended Governor Lawal for his proactive support.
“Governor Dauda Lawal has demonstrated exemplary leadership and an unwavering dedication to the security of Zamfara State,” the Defence Minister stated. “The provision of these armoured vehicles, surveillance drones, and other operational equipment will undoubtedly boost the morale and operational effectiveness of our troops and other security agencies on the ground. This is a commendable effort that should be emulated by others.”
The newly commissioned assets, which include multiple APCs and advanced surveillance drones, are expected to dramatically enhance the mobility, protection, intelligence-gathering, and rapid response capabilities of security forces, particularly in the state’s remote and difficult terrains where anti-banditry operations are ongoing.
In his remarks, Governor Lawal reiterated his administration’s steadfast commitment to being a reliable partner in the security architecture. He urged security agencies to deploy the new resources responsibly and effectively to safeguard lives and property.
The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Defence, reaffirmed its commitment to continuing and deepening such partnerships with state governments across the nation to strengthen coordination and resource allocation in the collective fight against insecurity.
The GCGMSI concluded its statement by urging other state governments to take a cue from Zamfara’s “bold and pragmatic” approach, affirming that such concrete support is vital for achieving lasting peace and security across Nigeria.
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