Amanze Chinonye
Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has warned that Nigeria is facing a dangerous democratic and economic decline, accusing sections of the political class of undermining democratic values while millions of citizens struggle with poverty, insecurity and unemployment.
Obi spoke on Saturday during the maiden convention of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Abuja, where he called for national unity, competent leadership and urgent reforms to rescue the country from what he described as worsening national hardship.
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Opening his remarks with a quote by former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, Obi said: “Some men change their party for the sake of their principles; others change their principles for the sake of their party.”
He described the convention as a reflection of Nigerians’ resilience and desire for political change, while commending the NDC leadership, led by former Bayelsa State governor and senator, Henry Seriake Dickson, for accommodating opposition figures at what he termed a critical period in the nation’s political history.
The former Anambra State governor also expressed appreciation to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), particularly former Senate President David Mark, for providing what he called a democratic platform after legal disputes affected the Labour Party and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).
According to Obi, the country’s democratic institutions are under severe pressure as some political actors who once championed justice and accountability now allegedly defend intimidation, manipulation and electoral injustice.
“What we are witnessing is not politics; it is a systematic assault on democracy and the will of the people,” he said.
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Obi said Nigeria was drifting without direction and warned that the country’s reputation on the global stage had continued to deteriorate due to poor governance, insecurity and economic instability.
He cited failures in accountability, rule of law, political stability, corruption control and government effectiveness as evidence of institutional decline.
The former presidential candidate further claimed that more than 140 million Nigerians currently live in multidimensional poverty, while millions of young people remain unemployed or underemployed.
He lamented rising inflation, worsening insecurity and the growing inability of farmers to safely access their farmlands, noting that many communities across the country now live in fear.
“In this month alone, hundreds of innocent Nigerians have lost their lives to insecurity, while many others have been kidnapped, displaced, or thrown deeper into poverty,” Obi stated.
He blamed the country’s current challenges on years of poor leadership and what he described as deliberate actions by members of the political class who benefit from division and weak institutions.
“Nigeria is not a poor country; rather, we are being looted into poverty,” he said.
Calling for a national rebirth, Obi urged Nigerians to move beyond ethnic, religious and political divisions in order to rebuild the country on the foundations of justice, equity, competence and productivity.
He also advocated increased investment in agriculture and manufacturing, with particular emphasis on harnessing the agricultural potential of Northern Nigeria and linking it to industrial production across the federation.
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“We must move decisively from a nation of consumption to a nation of production,” he said.
Obi maintained that Nigeria could overcome insecurity, corruption, unemployment and inflation through what he described as competent, compassionate and transformative leadership.
He added that young people should be empowered as productive assets, while women must be fully included in governance and national development.
“I remain convinced that a new Nigeria is possible – a Nigeria that is united, secure, productive, inclusive, and governed by justice and fairness,” Obi said.
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.
