Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), has identified Nigeria’s most significant barrier to progress as its chronic leadership crisis.
In a statement shared via his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Obi stated that this concern has now received international validation.
The 64-year-old politician described the situation as the “cumulative effect of poor leadership,” which, he argued, has consistently hindered Nigeria’s development and necessitates a complete overhaul of the current system.
He stressed the urgent need for a new generation of leaders, marked by “competence, character, capacity, and compassion.”
Obi’s comments followed recent remarks from the United States Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria.
As reported by The Africa Report, the US Mission raised similar concerns regarding governance and institutional accountability in the country.
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Obi welcomed these observations, stating they align with the longstanding views held by many Nigerians, himself included.
Referencing renowned Nigerian author Chinua Achebe, Obi echoed the famous critique: “The trouble with Nigeria is simply and squarely a failure of leadership.”
He suggested that those in power continue to act in ways that contradict the sacrifices they demand from the public.
“You cannot ask the people to keep fasting while you feast every day,” he said, highlighting a growing disconnect between the governing elite and the citizenry.
Obi, who reiterated his commitment to building a new Nigeria free from corruption and criminality, voiced concern over what he described as ongoing attacks by “media thugs” intent on distracting from the real issues through insults and misinformation.
He warned that the US government, now echoing similar sentiments, might also come under attack from those who benefit from the status quo.
Addressing “well-meaning Nigerians,” Obi delivered a firm call to action: “This must stop.”
He urged citizens to reject the entrenched system of criminality and to rise above tribal and religious sentiments when voting.
Instead, he called for a national focus on competence and accountability at the ballot box.
Obi concluded by outlining his vision for Nigeria—one that shifts from “waste, looting, and reckless borrowing to production,” with the ultimate goal of creating “a Nigeria that works.”
