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Former Anambra State governor and 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, on Wednesday said Nigeria is “suffocating under impunity and greed,” accusing the government of rewarding “illegalities and corruption.”
Obi made the statement hours after defecting from the Labour Party to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). He stated his position in a post on X following a political meeting held in Enugu with ADC members.
According to Obi, Nigeria’s challenges are not caused by a shortage of resources but by leadership failure. “We are abundantly endowed with human and natural resources,” he said.
“Our tragedy arises from the deliberate sabotage by a political class that exploits the country and its people. We are not poor; we have been looted into poverty.”
According to Obi, Nigeria’s governance system “rewards mediocrity, punishes merit, and recycles failure,” adding that Nigeria is weighed down by impunity and greed.
Also in attendance were ADC National Chairman and former Senate President David Mark, former Sokoto State governor Aminu Tambuwal, and former Edo State governor Oserheimen Osunbor, alongside members of the House of Representatives, state assemblies, and community leaders.
Obi said insecurity and economic hardship were widespread across the country, citing visits to various regions and internally displaced persons camps.
“I have visited every corner of Nigeria, including internally displaced persons (IDP) camps neglected by the government. From North to South, East to West, Nigerians are feeling insecurity and despair,” he said.
“This cannot define our legacy. For the sake of the hungry, the poor, and future generations, we must dismantle the structures that are destroying our nation. A New Nigeria is possible.”
He called for a broad political coalition under the ADC, urging opposition leaders, supporters of the Obidient Movement, and members of other parties to unite. He said the coalition would be guided by “patriotism and the national interest.”
Obi also said that with “unity and effective leadership, agriculture and manufacturing” could become the highest contributors to Nigeria’s gross domestic product.
“We can transition Nigeria from a state of consumption to one of production, tackling issues such as insecurity, corruption, unemployment, inflation, and illiteracy,” he added.
“A productive, inclusive Nigeria is achievable. To build lasting unity and prosperity, we need honest, transparent, and responsive leadership. Our generation is tasked with creating a new framework for unity and progress. Many nations have succeeded; Nigeria can excel even more.”
