The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, on Thursday demonstrated solidarity with Lagosians and NDC supporters by joining them in singing Nigeria’s former national anthem, Arise, O Compatriots, during the party’s town hall meeting in Lagos.
The symbolic moment, which attracted enthusiastic participation from the crowd, came amid heightened political tension following the reported attack on NDC supporters by suspected political thugs at the event venue in Oregun, Ikeja.
Obi, accompanied by the party’s Lagos State governorship candidate, Funso Doherty, and other party leaders, joined the gathering in singing the former anthem, which was replaced in May 2024 with Nigeria, We Hail Thee.
The singing of the former anthem appeared to reflect the sentiments of the participants, who used the occasion to express their attachment to the former national anthem and its familiar message of national unity, patriotism and collective responsibility.
The development was particularly significant because it took place against the background of the controversy surrounding the National Anthem Act signed into law by President Bola Tinubu in May 2024, which restored the 1960 anthem, Nigeria, We Hail Thee, replacing Arise, O Compatriots, which had been in use since 1978.
For many Nigerians, the former anthem remains closely associated with national unity, patriotism and the country’s democratic journey. Its lyrics, particularly the call to serve the fatherland with love, strength and faith, continue to resonate with citizens.
However, the gathering’s decision to sing Arise, O Compatriots should be understood as a symbolic expression of preference and solidarity, rather than a formal legal reversal of the national anthem.
Obi’s participation also came at a sensitive moment for the opposition party. Earlier in the day, suspected attackers reportedly invaded the NDC town hall venue with dangerous weapons, disrupted preparations and forced participants to flee. Some vehicles were reportedly damaged, while one person was said to have been hospitalised. Politics Nigeria +2
Despite the disruption, Obi arrived at the venue, where supporters regrouped to welcome him. His presence was followed by renewed singing, dancing and expressions of solidarity.
The event has consequently drawn attention not only to the debate over Nigeria’s national anthem but also to the broader questions of freedom of association, peaceful political participation and the protection of opposition activities.
The central message from the gathering was that Nigerians should be free to express their political and patriotic convictions peacefully, without intimidation or violence.
