15th November 2026
PRESS STATEMENT
2027: PETER OBI AND NDC DISRESPECT FOR NIGERIA’S NATIONAL ANTHEM AND THE CULTURE OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE ARE DANGEROUS SIGNALS OF LEADERSHIP FAILURE – DGGWI
Group Condemns Rendition of illegal Anthem, Warns Against Turning Political Campaigns into Battlefields
The Democracy and Good Governance Watch Initiative (DGGWI) have watched with grave concern the disturbing developments at the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) recently held town hall meeting in Lagos involving Mr Peter Obi, the party’s presidential candidate, party members and his supporters.
The observed decision by Mr. Peter Obi, party members and supporters to refuse the rendition of Nigeria’s national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee”, and their subsequent enthusiastic rendition of the outlawed “Arise, O Compatriots”, is unfortunate, provocative, reckless, political rascality, insensitive, irresponsible and deserving of strong condemnation by patriotic Nigerians and all lovers of responsible conduct globally.
Nigeria is a sovereign nation governed by laws and constitutional institutions. The National Anthem Act 2024 has restored Nigeria, “We Hail Thee” as the country’s official national anthem. Section 2 of the Act, expressly recognises the national anthem as a national symbol and sign of authority and requires all persons to respect and preserve it’s dignity.
While citizens have the constitutional right to disagree with government policies and decisions, such disagreements must not translate into deliberate demonstrations of contempt for national institutions and symbols.
A presidential aspirant cannot reasonably expect Nigerians to entrust him with the leadership of a country whose established national symbols and institutions, he is irresponsibly unwilling to honour and respect.
Mr. Peter Obi of the NDC is seeking the highest political office in Nigeria. That high aspiration comes with enormous responsibilities and decorum, including respect for the constitution, national institutions, democratic conventions and the symbols that unite the country.
The presidency is not an office for person’s who believe that national laws and institutions should command respect only when they deem it fit in sync with their whims and caprices.
If a person aspiring for leadership position cannot demonstrate respect and honour for the country’s established national symbols, Nigerians therefore, are justified to question his or her commitment to the rule of law, national unity and security and the responsibilities entrusted in leadership.
We are particularly concerned about the message this conduct sends to young Nigerians and the rest of the world, which is irresponsible, reckless, provocative and condemnable.
Equally disturbing were videos of NDC members and supporters in the town hall meeting brandishing arms and other dangerous weapons and chanting “rig and die” and the alleged invasion of the town hall venue by suspected political thugs.
We strongly condemn this development and call on the security agencies to investigate the incident, identify those responsible and bring all perpetrators to book.
We are also deeply concerned about reports of armed individuals and aggressive political chants associated with the provocation and confrontation at the said venue.
The sight of political party members and supporters brandishing weapons or threatening violence at political gatherings is unacceptable and condemnable in it’s entirety.
Elections are not warfare. Political opponents are not enemies to be eliminated. Democracy is about competing ideas, policies, programmes and the freedom of choice by the electorate to make informed decisions.
Any political party or movement whose members and supporters embrace and encourage intimidation, provocation, threats and violence must be challenged and condemned.
We therefore call on Mr. Peter Obi and all other presidential aspirants to demonstrate leadership by publicly discouraging and distancing themselves from political threats, provocation and violence by admonishing their members and supporters to conduct themselves responsibly in line with the provisions of the law.
Leadership at all levels must demonstrate the highest sense of patriotism, discipline, tolerance and respect for national institutions, rather than engage in and encourage conducts that deepens divisions, disrespect, lawlessness and undermines national cohesion
As the 2027 general elections approach, we call on all political parties, candidates at all levels, members and supporters to conduct their campaigns and other electioneering activities within the provisions of the Electoral Act, the Constitution and other relevant laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Political campaigns must be platforms for constructive engagement, and not for intimidation, provocation, hooliganism or the display of dangerous weapons.
The struggle for political power must never be greater than our collective commitment to the sanctity of the rule of law, unity and development of Nigeria.
No political ambition is worth the blood of innocent Nigerians. No presidential aspiration is greater than the Constitution. And no political party should be allowed to create an atmosphere of provocation, fear and insecurity in the disguise of the campaign.
You cannot seek the mandate to govern a nation while treating its laws, institutions and national symbols as matters of personal political convenience.
Nigeria belongs to all of us, and its peace, unity and democratic stability must remain our collective priority at all times.
We call on political party candidates and leaders to take responsibility for the conduct of their members and supporters. Leadership must be demonstrated not only in the pursuit of political power but also in the ability to maintain discipline and eschew violence.
We urge all political actors to put Nigeria first and ensure that the 2027 electoral process is determined by the power of the ballot, not the threat of violence
We particularly charge the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to take proactive measures against political violence, hate speech, intimidation, provocation and the activities of political thugs.
Democracy must not be sacrificed on the altar of desperate political ambition and gangsterism.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Yours Sincerely,
E-signed,
Comrade Popoola Ajayi
Nelson Ekujumi
Gbenga Soloki
