Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Peter Obi, has declared that there is no correlation between the promises made by the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration and the realities confronting Nigerians today, lamenting that the country continues to grapple with worsening poverty, insecurity, hunger and unemployment.
In a national broadcast to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary on Thursday in Abuja, Obi said the occasion should not only be a time for celebration but also a moment for honest reflection on the state of the nation and the direction it is heading.
According to him, despite Nigeria’s enormous human and natural resources, the country has continued to experience a steady decline in critical areas of national development, raising concerns about leadership and governance.
Obi noted that Nigeria currently has one of the largest populations of people living in poverty in the world, with over 140 million citizens facing severe economic hardship. He also lamented the growing number of out-of-school children, estimated at over 18 million, describing it as a major threat to the country’s future.
The former Anambra State governor further highlighted the worsening security situation, saying terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and violent crimes continue to claim lives across the country.
He referenced the recent death of 37 young Nigerians, describing it as another painful reminder of the insecurity that has become a recurring feature of national life.
Obi also painted a grim picture of hunger and food insecurity, warning that more than 40 million Nigerians could face extreme hunger by the end of 2026 if urgent steps are not taken.
He listed high infant and maternal mortality rates, widespread youth unemployment and underemployment, rising drug abuse among young people and low life expectancy as additional indicators of national decline.
According to him, Nigeria’s average life expectancy of about 54 years remains significantly below the global average, while drug abuse prevalence among the youth has reached alarming levels.
“This reality demands serious, sober and honest reflection. Our greatest problem is not a lack of resources but the failure to convert our enormous resources into human development, productivity, security and shared prosperity,” Obi said.
The NDC presidential candidate disclosed that he recently visited Sokoto State alongside Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, where they held consultations on insecurity, poverty, unemployment and the challenge of out-of-school children.
He said the visit to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp at Ramin Kura in Sokoto exposed the depth of human suffering in the country, as thousands of women and children displaced by insecurity continue to live in deplorable conditions.
According to him, many of the children in the camp have no access to education, while healthcare services remain inadequate.
“What we saw in Ramin Kura is not an isolated story. It reflects the suffering experienced in different forms across many parts of Nigeria,” he stated.
Obi accused the current administration of failing to confront the nation’s challenges with the urgency they deserve, arguing that political leaders have failed to meet the expectations of citizens.
However, he expressed optimism that Nigeria could still overcome its challenges through purposeful leadership and accountable governance.
He pledged that if elected president, his administration would focus on restoring security, rebuilding the economy, creating jobs, expanding educational opportunities and strengthening healthcare delivery.
Obi promised to move the country from what he described as a consumption-driven economy to a productive economy anchored on agriculture, manufacturing, enterprise development and human capital investment.
He also vowed to ensure that internally displaced persons return safely to their communities through improved security measures and effective governance.
The NDC candidate further promised to lead by example, saying he would spend his holidays within Nigeria to better understand the challenges facing citizens across different states of the federation.
Calling on Nigerians to reject bad governance and demand accountability from leaders, Obi said the country’s future depends on leadership that sees public office as a sacred trust and citizens who refuse to accept failure as their destiny.
“As we mark this Independence Anniversary, let us look back with gratitude, look around with honesty and look forward with courage. The Nigeria we desire will be built through accountable leadership and citizens who demand results,” he said.
Obi maintained that a new Nigeria remains possible, expressing confidence that with competent and transparent leadership, the country can achieve security, prosperity and inclusive development for future generations.
