Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), has said that hunger and poverty in Nigeria are not abstract statistics but the daily reality for millions of citizens.
On a statement on his X page, the former governor of Anambra State cited United Nations data indicating that about 34 million Nigerians will face acute food insecurity, while roughly 63% of the population— around 133 million people, now live in multidimensional poverty.
He noted that inflation, even by suppressed official figures, is nearing 30%, while unemployment and economic mismanagement have all but erased Nigeria’s once-thriving middle class.
Families who previously enjoyed stable lives, he said, are now slipping into poverty.
The 64-year-old stressed that the widespread hunger and poverty in the country are not accidental, but the outcome of incompetent leadership lacking both capacity and compassion, and failing to prioritise the needs of the Nigerian people.
His statement partly read: “Other nations have faced similar challenges and turned their fortunes around through disciplined leadership, sound economic policies, and a total commitment from the leaders to invest in human development and pulling their people out of poverty. A recent example is what is happening in Argentina.
“In Argentina, over 52% of its population lived in poverty by early 2024 according to the World Bank, with millions of Argentines unable to meet basic needs. Inflation was above 200%, and economic confidence had collapsed. Yet, within two years, through decisive action to cut waste in governance and prioritise economic stability, the newly inaugurated president was able to cut down the poverty rate to 38.1% from 52% in just 2 years, and extreme poverty fell to 8.2%, with inflation just around 2–3% monthly.
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“As at 2025, the urban poverty had declined to 31.6%, lifting millions of people out of poverty. Investor confidence grew and the economy began to grow. The people now see real improvements in their daily lives. Both Argentina and the current Nigerian leadership assumed office in the same year, and this proves what I have always stated, that two years may not be enough to change a nation with a 100% turn around but it is more than enough to kickstart the transformation journey that will change the fortune of our dear country, with the people witnessing real and genuine change, but only if the leadership is honest, focused, and committed to the people. Nigeria can work. We can reduce hunger, and restore dignity to Nigerians. But this will not happen while corruption and criminality dominate our governance.
“Our nation requires leaders who will put the people first, manage resources prudently, and stand firm in rejecting corrupt practices. Nigeria will work, but only if we, as leaders, commit to tackling corruption, cutting the cost of governance, and focusing on critical areas of development like education, healthcare, and lifting the people out of poverty, just as other nations have done with remarkable results.”
