Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, marked Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day with a fiery rebuke of the nation’s leadership, warning that decades of failures have left the country drowning in debt, shrinking economically, and sliding into what he called an “undemocratic democracy.”
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, Obi said Nigeria’s founding fathers built the country on hope and vision, but “65 years later, the dream has collapsed under reckless leadership.”
Debt & Decline: Nigeria now carries a debt of ₦175 trillion—nearly half of GDP— yet lacks improvements in key sectors. Once Africa’s largest economy, the nation has slipped to fourth place, behind South Africa, Egypt, and Algeria.
Poverty Explosion: In just one year of the current administration, 15 million Nigerians have sunk into poverty, while over 150 million lack access to healthcare, education, clean water, and sanitation.
Lavish Spending: Obi blasted the government for “reckless borrowing and extravagant indulgence,” citing billions spent on luxury cars, presidential jets, and a ₦21 billion renovation of the vice president’s residence—exceeding the combined budgets of six federal teaching hospitals.
“This government taxes struggling citizens while wasting resources on luxury,” Obi charged, urging leaders to embrace competence, compassion, and commitment. Despite his harsh words, he struck an optimistic note: “Nigeria’s potential remains. Against all odds, Nigeria will rise again.”
Obi’s remarks echoed those of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which also used Independence Day to lash out at President Bola Tinubu’s government.
ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi accused the APC of presiding over a “convergence of crises”—soaring inflation, deepening insecurity, and public disillusionment. He said Tinubu’s so-called “renewed hope” has only bred hardship, while the government remains elitist and detached from everyday Nigerians.
Both Obi and the ADC called for urgent reforms and a reset in leadership before Nigeria’s democracy erodes further.pe
