Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has emphasized that no nation can advance amid insecurity. He stressed that citizens must feel safe for any meaningful progress to occur.
Obi made these remarks during a scholarships and awards night for democracy icons, organized by the Coalition for the Protection of Democracy (COPDEM) in Abuja. The event honored democracy champions whose dedication has fostered positive change in Nigeria.
Represented by former Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) chairman Peter Ameh, Obi stated, “The award symbolizes the resilient spirit of the Nigerian people. In the 2023 election, Peter Obi brought integrity, sincerity, and a history of public service, which resonated with Nigerians and drove his success despite the lack of party infrastructure.”
He added, “Nigerians value good leadership, and even without the typical party structures, the people rallied behind a party they believed in, elevating it to prominence.”
COPDEM National Chairman, Prince Rwang Pam Jr., highlighted the purpose of the event, saying, “We honor those who have risked their lives to defend democracy. These individuals, both living and deceased, deserve recognition for their sacrifices.”
He noted the posthumous recognition of figures such as Dele Giwa, Gani Fawehnmi, and MKO Abiola, acknowledging their contributions to Nigeria’s democratic progress.
Prominent award recipients included Peter Obi, Aisha Yusufu, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, HRH Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, Rufai Oseni, Kenneth Okonkwo, and the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. COPDEM operates as an independent Political Action Group (PAG).
Additionally, scholarships were awarded to three students: Benedict Princess Nneka from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka; Arinola Oluwaleke Michael from Osun State University, Osogbo; and Ekanem Precious Emmanuel from Arthur Jarvis University, Cross River State, with amounts of N1m, N500,000, and N200,000 respectively.
