ABUJA, Nigeria – Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate widely believed to have won the controversial February 25 election, delivered a powerful statement today as the Presidential Inauguration holds on Monday, May 29, 2023.
Mr Obi aligned himself with the majority of Nigerians in rejecting what he called the “shameful condition” of the country, and called upon the judiciary to assert their independence and integrity.
Speaking with a fervour that underscored the gravity of the situation, Obi emphasized the importance of collective reflection and reassessment of Nigeria’s journey as a young democracy. His message comes at a crucial juncture, in the wake of an election that has left many Nigerians and international observers questioning its legitimacy.
“I join the majority of Nigerians to reject the shameful condition of our country,” Obi declared, addressing the serious concerns that have been raised about the recent elections’ integrity.
While awaiting the election tribunal’s verdict, Obi urged Nigerians to recommit to the nation’s ideals and respect the judiciary’s role in the democratic process. He underscored the judiciary’s critical role in upholding the integrity of state institutions and citizens’ actions.
“In this context, I strongly urge the Nigerian judiciary to use the election cases now before it as an opportunity to reaffirm its independence and integrity. Nigerians must remain peaceful and law-abiding, respecting this institution that forms the backbone of our democratic enterprise,” he articulated.
Obi expressed deep dissatisfaction with the current state of Nigeria, decrying the rampant criminal exploitation of national wealth, the blatant disregard of 21st-century nationhood prerequisites, and the troubling decline in security, rule of law, and peaceful coexistence.
With a focus on the systemic issues plaguing the nation — from its poor global ranking in education, health, and per capita income to the wave of educated youth leaving for better opportunities abroad — Obi expressed his disapproval. He emphasized the urgent need for responsible leadership, sustainable development, and focused governance.
He reaffirmed his commitment to reverse these negative trends, pledging, “I remain dedicated to my original commitment. We must move away from the present politics of criminality and corruption to make a new Nigeria possible.”
In anticipation of attempts to smear his image in the coming months, Obi pledged that no such campaigns would detract from his patriotic dedication to improving Nigeria. He encouraged his fellow Nigerians, especially the youth, to maintain their resolve, remain calm, patient, and peaceful despite adversity.
“Victory is assured. We must work together to transition our beautiful country from a state of corruption and criminality to a hub of productivity,” Obi stated, expressing gratitude to his party members and the media for their steadfast support.
Closing his message on a hopeful note, Obi prayed for the nation’s prosperity and the safety of its troops. His remarks, both a scathing critique of the present political climate and an inspiring call to action, further solidify his position as a significant voice in Nigeria’s political landscape.
Below is the full text of his statement to Nigerians.
AT A TIME LIKE THIS: MY MESSAGE TO FELLOW NIGERIANS
By Peter Obi
For all Nigerians, this is a time for deep reflection. It is also a time to re-examine our assumptions, even as we reaffirm our hopes. Let us calmly review our aspirations, to recalibrate our expectations and pin down the causes of our missed opportunities and disappointments.
We stand at that critical moment in time when, as a people, we must collectively come to grips with the reality of our injured destiny as well as the reasons for that injury. It is for us to reassess our plight as a young democracy and identify clear pathways to a better and greater future for us all.
The conduct and outcome of the last National elections have showcased the troubled state of our democracy. While a minority, indeed a handful of partisans, seem satisfied with the conduct of the election and the results, the majority of Nigerian voters and many international observers remain confounded by the process and the outcome. Serious reservations have been expressed by a significant majority of stakeholders about the shortcomings of the elections. But it is not for anyone to take the laws into his hands.
As we await the verdict of the election tribunal, I urge all Nigerians to use this opportunity to renew their commitment to the Nigerian ideal. That ideal remains noble and worth every sacrifice we can make. Nigeria remains our only patrimony and it is a patrimony we must protect, rather than violate. We have no other nation but this, so let us remain committed to rescuing and rebuilding it.
The judiciary is part of the democratic enterprise and a critical governance tool for determining the propriety of the decisions and actions of every citizen and every institution of the state. To that extent, and for that reason, I urge everyone to treat it with the respect and dignity it deserves.
We expect that the Nigerian judiciary will use the election cases now before it to reaffirm its independence and integrity. It has to do so, for all our sakes and for itself. Nigerians must, therefore, remain peaceful and law-abiding. No matter the depth of anyone’s reservations about what is going on in the polity today, no matter the real and imagined provocations, and no matter the disagreement out there, we should remember that this will not last forever.
Like the majority of Nigerians, I reject the present shameful condition of our country. I reject the widespread criminal plundering of our nation’s wealth by those who are called to manage it and serve the people. I also reject, without reservations, the growing impression that our nation is one in which the most important requirements for 21st-century nationhood can be routinely violated with impunity.
Not for me, the idea that we should just blunder along, even though everything needed for responsible leadership, equity, sustainable development and nationhood are missing. I reject a nation where Security, rule of law, and peaceful coexistence are on a steady decline.
Why should we rank among the worst, globally, in the three most important indices that separate developed and undeveloped nations, namely: Education, Health, and Per Capita income? It is from the indices regarding our human capital development, primary health care, and general development infrastructure that our beloved country got ranked as the poverty capital of the world.
It is not right that our few educated and skilled youth should be trooping out to other lands. They are not leaving willingly, no! They all wish to be here, happily contributing to the development of their country. But that is if Nigeria is working on its needs and hopes.
It is because we need good, and focused, leadership that I contested the February 25 Presidential Elections. I sought the exalted office to end the current situation, wherein we use our scarce human resources to train manpower for even more developed nations.
It bears repetition, to say that my race for the 2023 election was fueled by the desire to reverse these negative trends. I remain committed, and untiring, in my determination to work with like-minded fellow Nigerians to end the curse of missed opportunities and squandered hope that has become our lot here. I will never shrink from that original commitment, because I firmly believe that we must change from the present politics of criminality, and corruption, to make a new Nigeria possible.
I call on fellow Nigerians, especially the youths to remain steadfast, calm, patient, and peaceful. Our journey may be long and difficult but it is worth it in every way. Victory is assured. We have to work together to move our beautiful country from corruption and criminality to a center of productivity rather than aimless consumption.
I am aware of some evil designs being hatched against me and my supporters in the coming months. Efforts will be made to taint my image. Campaigns of calumny are being perfected to defame my character and diminish my hard-earned integrity. These schemes will aim at degrading our support base and confusing the public.
But, no evil campaign will alter the substance of my character; nor diminish my patriotic commitment to a better Nigeria. It is not about me. It is about a better Nigeria. It is about the future of our youths.it is about ending the Years of Locust.
In all of this, I thank the people at our great party and the media. The latter, as the Fourth Estate of the realm, has remained a trusted ally. This Estate must continue to guide our people on the immense promise of a future in a new Nigeria.
God bless Nigeria and protect the troops keeping us safe in this season of vaulting insecurity.
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Peter Obi
