Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has called on Nigerians not to lose hope in the face of the nation’s current challenges, insisting that “a great Nigeria is still possible.”
In a statement to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary on October 1, Obi lamented the country’s descent from its once-celebrated position as Africa’s economic powerhouse to a nation overwhelmed by debt, poverty, and insecurity.
He recalled that Nigeria, which gained independence in 1960 with global recognition and high expectations, had the potential to become Africa’s true superpower but was derailed by leadership failures. He noted that despite past milestones—such as the return to democracy in 1999 and the peaceful transfer of power in 2015—the last decade under the APC had left Nigeria diminished.
Obi cited alarming economic indicators, stating that the nation’s debt had risen to about N175 trillion, nearly 50 percent of GDP, without commensurate growth in the productive sectors. He said the government had prioritised extravagance and wasteful spending on jets, luxury cars, and residences while neglecting critical investments in healthcare, education, and technology.
He warned that over 15 million Nigerians had been pushed into acute poverty within a year and projected that 33 million citizens could face hunger in 2025, according to UNICEF and WFP estimates. Obi also condemned worsening insecurity, rampant kidnapping, and corruption that had crippled investments and deepened fear across the country.
Despite the grim situation, the former Anambra governor expressed optimism, stressing that Nigeria could still achieve prosperity through prudent economic management, human capital development, infrastructure investment, and competent leadership.
Obi urged political leaders to rise above personal interests, reject corruption and divisive politics, and embrace a new model of governance based on competence, compassion, and commitment.
“Nigeria has the resources, talent, and resilience to become an industrialised nation in record time,” he said. “Against all odds, we will return Nigeria to the path of prosperity and justice. We will not relent. We will not be discouraged. The mission is clear: Nigeria will rise again.”
He congratulated Nigerians on the Independence Anniversary and urged citizens to hold on to hope for a better future.
