Former presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has issued a stern warning to the Nigerian Government against encouraging unresolved litigations and injecting crises into political parties. In a statement released on Monday, Obi emphasized that democracy should never be used as a weapon against the people. He noted that a healthy democracy thrives on strong institutions, credible alternatives, and the freedom of citizens to make choices without intimidation, manipulation, or fear.
Obi's Concerns Over Democracy
Obi, who recently moved from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), stressed that opposition parties must not be weakened or destroyed. He argued that when democracy loses its balance, the people ultimately suffer the consequences.
Nigeria's Current Challenges
According to Obi, Nigeria is currently experiencing one of the most difficult periods in its history. He highlighted rising poverty, widespread hunger, persistent insecurity threatening lives and livelihoods, daily business closures, and growing discouragement among young people. Many citizens have lost faith in the system, he said. At such a critical time, leadership must be driven by competence, capacity, character, and compassion, not by propaganda or division.
Obi's Political Move
Obi clarified that his decision to join the NDC does not represent an abandonment of his values but rather a continuation of his long-standing mission: building a Nigeria where leadership is about service, public resources are managed responsibly, institutions function independently, and every Nigerian—regardless of tribe, religion, region, or social status—can live with dignity, security, and hope.
Call for Unity
He reiterated his commitment to working with all Nigerians of goodwill across political, ethnic, and religious lines. The task ahead, he said, is bigger than any individual or political party; it concerns the future of the nation's children and the survival of the country.
Obi expressed gratitude to Nigerians, especially the youth and women, for remaining peaceful, resilient, and hopeful despite the enormous challenges facing the nation. He urged them not to lose faith in Nigeria, noting that nations change not when people surrender to hopelessness, but when they continue to believe, sacrifice, and stand for what is right.
