Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has strongly criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration in reaction to worsening insecurity in Nigeria.
In a lengthy post on X, Obi asserted that Donald Trump’s description of Nigeria as “a disgraced country” cannot be denied, given the current state of violence and instability.
Obi’s outburst was prompted by a terror attack on a Christ Apostolic Church in Kwara State. He highlighted that within a single week, “25 people were kidnapped, and one of our generals along with other officers was killed,” arguing that such developments validate Trump’s harsh portrayal.
According to Obi, the Tinubu government appears more focused on weakening opposition parties than on strengthening Nigeria’s democracy. He accused the administration of orchestrating internal crises within parties like the PDP, Labour Party, and SDP, rather than working to unite the country.
He referenced a moment during the administration of former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, when Yar’Adua instructed INEC to ensure stability across all political parties, not just the ruling one. Obi contrasted that with the current trend, stating: “What we witness today is the opposite … The current government seems more intent on weakening parties than strengthening our democracy.”
Obi said that in a functioning democracy, the opposition should be respected, and elections should reflect the people’s will. He argued that governance should involve bringing everyone along, not sidelining dissenting voices.
He concluded by warning that Nigeria’s leadership must prioritise unity and democratic values over political infighting, or risk further erosion of the nation’s dignity and global standing.