By Tony Okafor, Awka
Presidential aspirant and former Anambra State governor Peter Obi has said Nigeria is not a poor nation, but one being “looted into poverty” by bad governance and elite mismanagement.
Obi made the remark Saturday in Abuja during the maiden convention of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
He said more than 140 million Nigerians are living in multidimensional poverty,adding that worsening economic hardship, rising insecurity and deepening unemployment show systemic failure by the political leadership.
“Today, over 140 million Nigerians live in multidimensional poverty. Tens of millions of young people remain unemployed or underemployed. Inflation continues to crush families. Businesses are shutting down. Farmers can no longer safely access their farms,” he said.
Obi warned that Nigeria is drifting dangerously and is increasingly perceived globally as a failing state due to weak institutions and poor governance.
He blamed the crisis on what he called years of deliberate sabotage by political actors who prioritize personal gain over national development.
“Nigeria is not a poor country; rather, we are being looted into poverty,” he declared.
The NDC stalwart also said 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 ongoing legal disputes 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” during the political uncertainty.
He also commended former Bayelsa State governor 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 said.
Despite the challenges, Obi said he remains optimistic: “A new Nigeria is possible.”
