Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has said Nigeria’s challenges stem from political leadership failure rather than from its citizens, stressing that the country is rich in resources but poorly governed.
Obi made the remarks on Sunday at a thanksgiving service marking Oyo State’s 50th anniversary, held at the Cathedral of St. Peter’s, Aremo, Ibadan.
According to him, Nigeria’s problems are rooted in the mismanagement of public funds and lack of accountability among those in power, not in a shortage of wealth.
“I ask Nigerians to always remember us politicians in your prayers,” Obi said. “We are the problem of Nigeria — nobody else. Nigeria is not poor; it is only badly governed. Pray that God touches our hearts so we use public money for the good of the people.”
The former governor commended Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for what he described as people-focused governance and visible development across the state. He said the progress recorded in Oyo reflects what is possible when leadership is driven by service rather than personal interest.
Obi noted that the transformation in Ibadan and other parts of the state was obvious, even to members of his entourage, who were impressed by the pace of development.
“Ibadan is a historic city — a city of knowledge and hope,” he said. “Those who came with me couldn’t stop talking about how much the state has changed.”
He also revealed that he played an advisory role at the early stage of Makinde’s administration, describing the governor as a leader committed to results and responsible governance.
Obi prayed for continued progress in Oyo State and urged Nigerian leaders to put public interest first, insisting that effective governance is achievable if leaders choose integrity and transparency.
“What we are seeing in Oyo State shows that good governance is possible in Nigeria,” he concluded.