Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has expressed deep concern over the state of the nation, warning that Nigeria is drifting into dangerous territory as insecurity escalates and political instability worsens. Obi shared his thoughts in a strongly worded statement posted on his X handle on Wednesday, describing Nigeria as a “now disgraced nation” grappling with avoidable crises.
His comments referenced former U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent remark branding Nigeria a “disgraced country”—a statement many Nigerians initially rejected. However, Obi argued that the spate of abductions, killings and terror attacks across the country has made it difficult to refute such criticism.
Within one week, at least 25 people were kidnapped and a serving general, along with other officers, was killed by insurgents. The situation deepened on Wednesday with yet another terror attack reported in Kwara State.
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Obi lamented that rather than uniting the nation in a moment of profound insecurity, the political climate has been overtaken by internal conflicts and what he described as “deliberately orchestrated crises” within opposition parties—including the PDP, Labour Party and SDP.
Drawing from history, the former Anambra governor recalled the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s approach to political stability. According to him, Yar’Adua once instructed then-INEC Chairman Maurice Iwu to ensure that all political parties, not just the ruling party, were protected and allowed to function lawfully for the sake of democracy.
“What we witness today is the opposite,” Obi said, accusing the current administration of weakening political structures rather than strengthening Nigeria’s democratic foundations. He noted that in thriving democracies, opposition parties are respected, elections reflect the will of the people, and national leadership prioritises collective peace and prosperity.
Despite his criticism, Obi ended on a hopeful note, reaffirming his belief that “A New Nigeria is Possible,” a recurring message in his political advocacy.