Peter Obi Critiques Leadership Failures on Independence Day

In his official Independence Day message, Peter Obi, the NDC presidential candidate and former governor of Anambra State, warned that over 140 million Nigerians are living in extreme poverty due to persistent leadership failures. He emphasized that October 1 should be a time for national reflection rather than mere celebration.

Obi criticized the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for systemic crises, noting that projections indicate over 40 million Nigerians may face acute starvation by the end of 2026. He highlighted the alarming rise in out-of-school children, which has surpassed 18 million, and reported that approximately 35 million youths are unemployed or underemployed.

Obi also pointed out that drug abuse among Nigerian youth has reached 14%, significantly higher than the global average of 6%. He described the dire conditions witnessed during a visit to the Ramin Kura Internally Displaced Persons camp in Sokoto State, where thousands lack basic necessities.

Obi attributed Nigeria's challenges to leadership failures in converting national wealth into productivity and welfare.