On the occasion of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has urged Nigerians not to lose hope in the dream of building a prosperous and just nation, stressing that “a great Nigeria is still possible.”
In a statement released on his official Facebook page on Wednesday, Obi reflected on Nigeria’s history since independence in 1960, when the country was celebrated globally as an emerging African power with enormous potential.
He lamented that decades of failed leadership, worsened by what he described as the “incompetent and corrupt leadership” of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), had derailed the nation’s progress.
“Today, the picture is bleak. Our total debt stands at about N175 trillion, nearly 50 percent of GDP, without any improvement in productive sectors. Nigeria has fallen to the fourth-largest economy in Africa, behind South Africa, Egypt, and Algeria. Our democracy is now described as ‘undemocratic,’” Obi said.
He condemned the government’s “extravagance” amid widespread poverty, citing billions spent on luxury cars, jets, and lavish renovations while millions of Nigerians lack access to basic healthcare, education, water, and sanitation.
He noted that in just one year, more than 15 million Nigerians had been pushed into extreme poverty under policies that prioritise revenue collection over citizens’ welfare.
On insecurity, Obi decried the failure of security management, warning that rampant kidnappings and terrorism have made Nigeria one of the most unsafe nations in the world, driving away investors while other African countries surpass Nigeria as investment destinations.
Despite these grim realities, Obi maintained that the country’s potential remains intact.
He called for a radical shift to competent and compassionate leadership focused on prudent economic management, human capital development, rule of law, and investment in infrastructure.
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“We should learn from nations like China, India, Indonesia, and Bangladesh, which have turned around their economies through disciplined leadership and people-centred policies. Nigeria too can rebound, but only if we exit the path of incompetence and fiscal irresponsibility,” he said.
Reaffirming his commitment to the Nigerian dream, Obi urged leaders to rise above personal interests, reject corruption and division, and embrace a politics of prosperity for all.
“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 declared.
As the country marked 65 years of independence, Obi concluded his message with optimism:
“Despite today’s challenges, the future remains bright. A new Nigeria is possible.”