Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has expressed concerns over Nigeria’s current state, stating that the country is worse off compared to the late 1980s and early 1990s.
He shared his opinion on X after attending the launch of A Journey in Service, an autobiography by former military president Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), in Abuja on Thursday, February 20.
Obi commended IBB for his contributions to Nigeria’s economy, particularly in the financial sector, while also highlighting how other nations have progressed significantly since Babangida left office in 1992, unlike Nigeria, which has either stagnated or declined.
In his post, Obi acknowledged the economic policies implemented during Babangida’s tenure, stating, “IBB’s contributions to Nigeria’s economy and his strong support for entrepreneurship and private sector growth remain immeasurable.”
He emphasized that under IBB’s leadership, Nigeria experienced economic expansion, particularly in finance, while policies were put in place to strengthen national unity.
However, despite these past efforts, he lamented that Nigeria has fallen behind its global counterparts.
Using countries such as Bangladesh, India, Vietnam, and Ghana as examples, he pointed out that these nations have moved up the Human Development Index (HDI), while Nigeria has remained in the low HDI category.
“In the case of Nigeria, we are worse off than we were during IBB’s era,” he noted.
Furthermore, Obi referenced Ghana’s democratic stability, stressing that for the past three decades, the country has upheld credible elections, where ruling party candidates have conceded defeat when necessary.
He compared this to Nigeria, where electoral outcomes often fail to reflect the people’s will.
Another significant moment at the event was IBB’s admission that “Chief MKO Abiola won the June 12 election.”
According to Obi, this acknowledgment is a step towards national healing and unity, adding that he hopes other key figures in Nigeria’s democracy will one day have the courage to recognize the true winners of past elections.
Obi concluded by emphasizing that Nigeria must learn from past governance to build a better future, stating that honest leadership and a commitment to true democracy can bring about meaningful progress.
“A New Nigeria is POssible!” he declared, urging leaders to act with integrity and prioritize the well-being of the people.
