A fresh national debate on loyalty and governance took centre stage today in Abuja as former presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, delivered a pointed message at the book launch of “The Loyalist” by Hon. Bolaji Abdullahi, spokesperson of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Speaking at the event, Obi warned that Nigeria is drifting into dangerous territory where loyalty to individuals in power—particularly President Bola Tinubu—is increasingly being elevated above loyalty to the Nigerian state, its Constitution, and its people. He described this trend as a grave threat to national unity, democratic accountability, and sustainable development.
According to Obi, Nigeria’s political elite have redefined loyalty in selfish terms, prioritising personal survival, access to power, and the unchecked looting of public resources over national interest. He lamented that those who remain loyal to the Constitution, the rule of law, good governance, and the welfare of citizens are often punished, silenced, or pushed to the margins of public life.
“We live in a nation where many elites in leadership positions demonstrate little or no loyalty to Nigeria, its Constitution, its unity, or the well-being of its people,” Obi stated. “Instead, loyalty has been redirected to individuals and personal interests.”
The former Anambra State governor stressed that blind loyalty to political leaders—rather than institutions—has entrenched impunity, weakened governance structures, and deepened citizens’ distrust in the state. He cautioned that a system where loyalty to President Tinubu or any political figure supersedes loyalty to Nigeria is not only unhealthy but existentially dangerous.
Obi praised Hon. Bolaji Abdullahi for authoring “The Loyalist,” describing the book as timely and courageous in a political environment where conscience is often traded for convenience. He noted that the work challenges Nigerians to rethink what true loyalty means in a democracy.
Reaffirming his personal stance, Obi declared his unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s unity, constitutionalism, the rule of law, and people-centred governance. He insisted that national progress can only be achieved when loyalty is anchored on principles, not personalities.
“A new Nigeria is not just a dream,” Obi concluded. “It is absolutely achievable.”
As political alignments harden ahead of future elections, today’s message from Abuja underscores a growing fault line in Nigeria’s democracy: whether loyalty will continue to serve power, or finally return to the people and the nation itself.
