Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, has stated that Nigeria is in a state of deep crisis, emphasizing that no political defense can conceal the widespread suffering faced by millions of Nigerians.
Obi made the comments on Wednesday while addressing members of the Labour Party’s National Executive Council (NEC) during an emergency meeting in Abuja. He urged party leaders to find the courage to speak out, even in the face of intimidation.
“Do not fear anyone. Those who feared in the past did not succeed. We must speak up when things are wrong,” Obi said.
The former governor of Anambra State painted a grim picture of Nigeria’s economic conditions, recounting personal experiences that highlight the growing hardship. He pointed out that individuals who once thrived are now resorting to begging to survive.
“Nigeria is collapsing. The data is undeniable. The indicators are clear — more people are falling into poverty,” he declared.
Obi further explained that people who once had the means to support others are now dependent on charity, adding, “If you go to your village, you will see people who once fed others, but now they are the ones begging.”
He shared an anecdote about his visits to a hotel in Abuja, noting that while in the past, he was greeted with hospitality and offered food and drinks, now he encounters people who are stranded and unable to afford a return trip home.
“Every time I enter this hotel now, I see people telling me, ‘Oga, I just came to Abuja, and I can’t go back.’ This is the same hotel where I used to come, and people would ask me, ‘Would you like to drink, come and eat?’ Nobody’s offering me anything anymore,” Obi recalled.
He underscored the severity of the situation, saying, “When you see someone in Agbada telling you, ‘I can’t go back,’ it’s a clear indication of how bad things are.”
Obi called on Labour Party members to unite and push for national reforms, stating, “Let’s acknowledge the difficulties and the hard times. It’s time for all of us to come together and make things right.”
He concluded by thanking those who continue to support the party and urged them to stand together for the country’s betterment.
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