Nigeria is not a poor country, but was looted into poverty — Peter Obi

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By Madu Obi

The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC presidential aspirant for the 2027 election and former governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi has described Nigeria as a rich nation that was looted into poverty by bad governance and elite mismanagement.

In his remarks during the national convention of the NDC in Abuja, Obi said more than 140 million Nigerians are living in multidimensional poverty, while worsening economic hardship, rising insecurity and deepening unemployment show systemic failure by the political leadership.

According to him, tens of millions of young people remain unemployed or underemployed, while Inflation continues to crush families.

"Businesses are shutting down. Farmers can no longer safely access their farms. Mothers whose children went to school are no longer sure that those children will return home safely,” he said.

Warning that Nigeria is drifting dangerously and is increasingly perceived globally as a failing state due to weak institutions and poor governance, Obi blamed the situation on what he called "years of deliberate sabotage by political actors who prioritize personal gain over national development".

He observed that Nigeria’s democracy is under threat, accusing some political actors of abandoning democratic principles for intimidation, manipulation and electoral malpractice.

“What we are witnessing is not politics; it is a systematic assault on democracy and the will of the people,” Obi said.

He said that it was legal disputes that forced him and some allies out of the Labour Party and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), prompting their realignment with the NDC.

Obi thanked the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former Senate President, David Mark, for providing “democratic accommodation” for him and others during the political uncertainty.

He also commended former Bayelsa State governor, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson for hosting the NDC convention.

Calling for national renewal, Obi urged Nigerians to unite beyond ethnic, religious and political divides, and to rebuild the economy through agriculture, manufacturing and youth empowerment.

“With competent, compassionate and transformative leadership, we can defeat insecurity, reduce corruption, create jobs, tame inflation, improve education, and restore hope to millions of Nigerians,” he stated, noting that

despite the challenges, he remains optimistic that a New Nigeria is possible.