Nigeria Almost Zero in all Indices of Development—Peter Obi

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

The presidential candidate of the opposition Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, has lamented the poor ratings of Nigeria, promising to change the narrative if elected president next year.

Mr Obi, while speaking after he emerged candidate of the party in Delta State on Monday, said the greed of “forces of retrogression” have made Nigeria to “become a laughing stock among other nations.”

“Yes, our country stands hijacked by forces of retrogression. We are almost zero in all indices of development. As a result, our future, especially those of the youth and generations unborn is in ruins. We have become a laughing stock among other nations, including African countries where we were once revered,” he said in his acceptance speech.

The former Governor of Anambra State defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Labour Party a few days ago. He had wanted to fly the flag of the PDP in the 2023 presidential election but when it became clear that this would be impossible, he jumped ship. The ticket was later given to former Vice President, Mr Atiku Abubaker, at a keenly contested primary held over the weekend in Abuja.

On Monday, the Labour Party held its presidential primary and was won by Mr Obi. In his speech, he thanked the other participants, calling on them to support him to return “Nigeria to Nigerians from forces of bad leadership and retrogression.”

“In the battle to re-take Nigerian, the odds are great and seemingly insurmountable, but with our commitment, patriotism and understanding that we are doing, what we are supposed to do for our country, lest she shall die, we shall move on discontent with what is and focused on enthroning what ought to be. In doing this, our battle cry shall remain: get your PVC and become part of this great liberation!” he declared.

He stated that, “Our governance mission will be twin-tracked. Secure Nigeria in every ramification: national security, human security, food security and tackling insecurity created by unemployment.”

“We will also seek to unite our nation by pulling our people out of poverty and creating a new sense of nationalism and patriotism. Nigeria shall rise again: and her people will be proud to claim ownership of her patrimony. Doing so is in our collective national interest,” he added.

Mr Obi disclosed that, “Nigerians remain hopeful for a national rebirth, which implies returning Nigeria to Nigerians – farmers, teachers and students, lecturers, artisans, workers, pensioners and over a hundred million poor Nigerians who are not sure where their next meal will come from.”

“As a party that represents the workers and masses of this great nation, we are people organised and working for our economic rebirth. As I am nominated today, I humbly proclaim that the journey towards the emancipation of the country has begun,” he stated.