Amanze Chinonye
Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 general election, Peter Obi, has used the 2026 Father’s Day commemoration to reflect on Nigeria’s past and present, urging citizens to embrace stronger civic responsibility, national unity, and accountable leadership, Prime Business Africa reports
In a reflective message marking the day, Obi recalled what he described as a more cohesive Nigeria in earlier decades, noting that during his formative years in primary, secondary, and university education, Nigerians interacted freely across ethnic, religious, and regional divides with a shared sense of national identity.
He further reflected on his early business and professional experiences, stating that partnerships at the time were largely driven by trust and competence rather than ethnic or religious considerations. He also referenced periods when the Nigerian currency, in his view, commanded stronger value and citizens experienced greater global mobility and respect abroad.
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Obi added that interstate travel across the country was once comparatively safer and more seamless, with road networks better able to connect communities. He also noted that Nigeria’s security institutions were widely recognised for their roles in international peacekeeping and global security operations.
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According to him, public trust in national institutions was also stronger in earlier years, citing comparatively higher confidence in electoral processes, governance accountability, stable universities that served as centres of academic excellence, more functional healthcare systems, and relatively better-performing infrastructure such as electricity and road networks.
He expressed concern that Nigeria now faces mounting challenges, including rising insecurity, weakening national cohesion, and reduced opportunities for younger generations. He also pointed to what he described as a decline in Nigeria’s international standing, referencing the country’s absence from recent global engagements such as the G7 summit, where some African nations were reportedly represented.
Obi, however, urged fathers and citizens at large not to remain passive observers of the country’s trajectory. He called for active civic engagement through voter registration, participation in elections, and protection of the integrity of the electoral process.
He maintained that sustainable national transformation would require unity, responsibility, and a deliberate commitment to accountable governance, insisting that a “new Nigeria is possible” through collective citizen action.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
