Peter Obi Says Nigeria Worsened In January

Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has said Nigeria’s security, economy, and public services declined in January.

Obi, in a post on X on Sunday, said the first month of the year showed clear signs of worsening conditions.

“The first month serves as a critical measure of the challenges that lie ahead, and it is painfully evident that the situation in the country continues to worsen,” Obi wrote.

Obi said insecurity rose across the country, with reports of killings and hundreds of kidnappings during the month.

The former governor of Anambra State said those affected included “children, pregnant women, and nursing mothers,” hinting that kidnappers demanded millions of naira.

“Farmers remain unable to return to their farms, plagued by ongoing insecurity which exacerbates food shortages and rural poverty,” he noted.

On education, Obi called the ongoing school closures in Abuja “particularly tragic” and said that many children still do not attend school, while others are unable to attend due to teacher strikes and insecurity.

“Education stands as a cornerstone of national development, yet countless children remain out of school, and those in school cannot attend because of insecurity or teachers’ strikes,” Obi wrote.

“This is particularly tragic in Abuja, the seat of government, where schools remain shuttered. This is the same Abuja where billions were squandered on renovating a conference centre for the president and bus terminals.

“One must question whether our leaders genuinely appreciate the vital role of education.”

On electricity, Obi said Nigeria, which already has poor access to electricity, recorded two national grid collapses in January.

He also raised concerns about President Bola Tinubu’s foreign trips, saying the president spent 23 days outside the country during the month.

“While leaders in other nations prioritise domestic governance in January, Nigeria’s president prioritises international engagements over pressing national issues.

“This month, he spent 23 days abroad across two trips—beginning the year overseas and returning on the 17th, and departing less than 10 days later on the 26th to Türkiye, where he remains as of January 31.

“What urgent matters continuously warrant his absence from the nation? When he does return, it often appears to be merely to welcome defectors into the APC before he jets off again.”

According to Obi, “The collective impact of these events paints a grim portrait of a nation grappling simultaneously with insecurity, economic distress, failing infrastructure, and profound social upheaval.”

He added that “instead of confronting these urgent challenges head-on in pursuit of solutions, much of the political class remains engrossed in power calculations and the next election cycle.

“The ruling APC, in particular, seems more concerned with rallies and welcoming defectors than with visiting failing institutions or addressing the daily struggles of the Nigerian people.”