Peter Obi Condemns Government Actions As Nigeria Faces Rising Insecurity And Political Fragmentation Nationwide

 

Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has sharply criticised the administration of President Bola Tinubu, pointing to what he describes as the worsening state of insecurity across Nigeria. Obi’s remarks follow a recent terror attack on a Christ Apostolic Church in Kwara State, an incident that has reignited public concern over safety and governance.

Obi referred to former US President Donald Trump’s controversial description of Nigeria as “a disgraced country,” noting that many initially expressed outrage at the statement. He argued, however, that the country’s ongoing security crises and political instability make it difficult to contest that view. According to Obi, within a single week, 25 people were kidnapped and several military officers, including a general, were killed, illustrating the alarming level of insecurity affecting citizens nationwide.

The former presidential candidate accused the Tinubu government of prioritizing the weakening of opposition parties over addressing critical national issues. He claimed that political strategies have focused on fragmenting the People’s Democratic Party, Labour Party, Social Democratic Party, and other political formations, rather than fostering democratic stability and unity. Obi emphasized that such actions undermine not only the opposition but the broader democratic framework, leaving the nation vulnerable to both internal and external threats.

Recalling his experiences in Nigerian politics, Obi drew a comparison with the administration of former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. During an internal party crisis at the time, Yar’Adua instructed the Independent National Electoral Commission to ensure the stability of all political parties, arguing that the health of democracy depended on fairness and respect for opposition parties. Obi lamented that the current government seems to operate in the opposite manner, prioritizing political manipulation and internal discord over national cohesion.

Obi’s post on X highlighted the urgent need for leadership that can unite the country in moments of crisis. He expressed concern that distractions from internal party wrangling and power struggles prevent meaningful attention from being given to national security challenges. According to him, democratic nations thrive when opposition voices are respected, elections reflect the will of the people, and governance is conducted inclusively, allowing all citizens to participate in the nation’s progress.

The Labour Party candidate called for a renewed focus on strengthening democratic institutions and protecting citizens from recurring security threats. He urged the government to prioritize unity and stability over political maneuvering, warning that failure to do so will exacerbate the challenges already confronting Nigeria. Obi’s commentary comes at a time when citizens continue to grapple with insecurity, raising questions about the effectiveness of current policies and the direction of national leadership.

By linking political instability with escalating violence, Obi reinforced the notion that governance and democracy must be inclusive, transparent, and responsive. The remarks underscore the critical need for the government to shift focus from party politics to addressing fundamental challenges that affect the everyday lives of Nigerians.