Former presidential aspirant, Peter Obi, has accused Nigeria’s political class of driving the country into poverty through corruption and mismanagement, saying the nation is not poor by nature but has been “looted into poverty” by those entrusted with public resources.
Speaking on Friday in Enugu at a nationwide political gathering attended by former governors, lawmakers, and civic leaders from across the country, Obi said Nigeria’s economic and social challenges are the result of deliberate actions by those in power rather than a lack of human or natural endowments.
“We came together to reaffirm the urgent need for leadership and a government that can truly appreciate Nigeria’s potential, unify our diversity, and drive rapid socio-economic transformation and inclusive development,” he said.
Obi stated that Nigeria’s difficulties stem from what he described as systemic sabotage by the political class. “Nigeria’s challenges do not arise from a lack of potential. We are abundantly endowed with human and natural resources. Our tragedy arises from the deliberate sabotage by a political class that exploits the country and its people,” he said.
He added that the consequences of this system are visible across all sectors. “We are not poor; we have been looted into poverty. The existing system rewards mediocrity, punishes merit, and recycles failure. Nigeria is suffocating under impunity and greed, with a government that rewards illegalities and corruption,” Obi said.
According to him, cosmetic reforms will not solve the country’s problems. “What we need is genuine, patriotic change, not mere cosmetic makeovers that leave the same structures of corruption and failure intact,” he said.
Obi said the current moment demands decisive action. “The time to act is now. The choice before us is between continuing the cycle of decay or embracing the courage to disrupt entrenched corruption and formalized criminality in governance,” he said.
He cited his visits across the country as evidence of widespread hardship. “I have visited every corner of Nigeria, including internally displaced persons camps neglected by the government. From North to South, East to West, Nigerians are feeling insecurity and despair, and this cannot define our legacy,” Obi said.
Looking ahead, he said Nigeria could achieve economic recovery through productive sectors. “With unity and effective leadership, agriculture and manufacturing can become the highest contributors to our GDP. We can move Nigeria from a nation of consumption to one of production while tackling insecurity, corruption, unemployment, inflation, and illiteracy,” he said.
Obi stressed that inclusive growth depends on trust in governance. “To build lasting unity and prosperity, we need honest, transparent, and responsive leadership. Our generation is tasked with creating a new framework for unity and progress, and many nations have succeeded, so Nigeria can excel,” he said.
He also announced plans for a broad political alliance. “This is a time for unity and national renewal. I call on my leaders, associates, supporters, the Obidient Movement, and members of opposition parties across the country to join a broad coalition under the African Democratic Congress, led by Senator David Mark,” Obi said.
He urged collective responsibility, saying, “Nigeria deserves leadership that unites, governs with empathy, and delivers real results. Let history record that Nigeria’s turning point begins here and now, and together, with courage, we can build an inclusive Nigeria,” he said.
