DGGWI slams Obi, NDC over singing of old anthem at Lagos event
The Democracy and Good Governance Watch Initiative (DGGWI) has criticised Peter Obi and members of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) over the reported refusal to sing Nigeria’s restored national anthem at a recent party town hall meeting in Lagos, as well as allegations of political violence at the gathering.
In a press statement dated November 15, 2026, and signed electronically by Comrade Popoola Ajayi, Nelson Ekujumi and Gbenga Soloki, the group described the incident as a disturbing development, warning that disrespect for national symbols and the display of weapons at political gatherings could undermine democratic stability ahead of the 2027 general elections.
DGGWI alleged that Obi, party members and supporters declined to sing the official anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee”, and instead sang the former anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots”.
The organisation condemned the reported action, describing it as “unfortunate, provocative, reckless, political rascality, insensitive” and irresponsible.
It argued that the National Anthem Act 2024 restored “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” as the country’s official national anthem, adding that Section 2 of the legislation recognises the anthem as a national symbol that must be respected.
The group maintained that although citizens have the constitutional right to disagree with government policies and decisions, such disagreements should not translate into contempt for national institutions and symbols.
It further questioned the suitability of anyone seeking the presidency who allegedly refuses to honour established national 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,” the statement said.Buy Maps
Beyond the anthem controversy, DGGWI expressed concern over videos allegedly showing NDC members and supporters brandishing arms and other dangerous weapons while chanting “rig and die” at the town hall meeting.
It also raised concerns over the alleged invasion of the venue by suspected political thugs, calling on security agencies to investigate the incident, identify those involved and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.
“The sight of political party members and supporters brandishing weapons or threatening violence at political gatherings is unacceptable and condemnable in its entirety,” the group stated.
Emphasising the need for peaceful political engagement, DGGWI said elections should be determined by competing ideas, policies and programmes rather than intimidation or violence.
“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,” it added.
The organisation also urged Obi and other presidential aspirants to publicly discourage political threats, provocation and violence among their supporters.
It called on political leaders to take responsibility for the conduct of their members, stressing that leadership requires patriotism, discipline, tolerance and respect for national institutions.
With the 2027 general elections approaching, the group urged political parties and their candidates to conduct campaigns in accordance with the Constitution, the Electoral Act and other relevant laws.
It also charged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to take proactive measures against political violence, hate speech, intimidation and the activities of political thugs.
DGGWI warned that political ambition should not come at the expense of national peace and security, insisting that the 2027 electoral process must be determined by votes rather than threats or violence.
“No political ambition is worth the blood of innocent Nigerians. No presidential aspiration is greater than the Constitution,” the statement added.
