By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has voiced deep concern over what he described as an “unprecedented negative news” streak in Nigeria over the past 10 days, attributing the situation to “collective leadership failures.”
In a statement issued on Monday, Obi warned that the nation is heading toward “avoidable disorder” amid growing insecurity, lawlessness, and institutional decay.
“The past 10 days in Nigeria have witnessed unprecedented negative news, a level of chaos, insecurity, and institutional decay that should trouble the conscience of all the leaders,” he said.
Obi stressed that the country’s current turmoil is not the result of fate but a reflection of failed leadership that allows insecurity and lawlessness to flourish.
“Our country is now going through troubling times, not by fate, but by our collective leadership failures that allow insecurity, lawlessness, and institutional decay to thrive. Each day confronts us with a new tragedy and a new reminder that our beloved country is drifting amid a clear absence of competent, compassionate, responsive, and responsible leadership. We have all watched a nation blessed with people of strength and resilience drift into avoidable disorder,” he added.
Highlighting recent violent incidents, Obi listed the killing of a Brigadier General, the abduction of 64 civilians in Zamfara, 25 schoolgirls in Kebbi, attacks on worshippers in Kwara, and the abduction of over 300 schoolchildren and teachers in Niger State.
He also drew attention to the latest attack on female farmers in Borno State. “I received yet another devastating report about the abduction of 13 female farmers in Askira-Uba LGA of Borno State today by suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists,” Obi said.
Reports indicate that the women were kidnapped while returning from their farms around 5 pm on Saturday. The Borno State Police Public Relations Officer, Nahum Daso, confirmed the incident on Sunday and noted that an investigation has been launched.
Obi warned that Nigeria cannot thrive under excuses, indifference, or absentee leadership. “No serious nation survives on excuses, indifference, or absentee leadership. Nigeria is bleeding because those elected to protect the nation have chosen comfort over courage, politics over people, and power over purpose,” he said.
He urged political leaders to prioritise competence, compassion, and accountability, emphasising that governance is “a duty to protect every child, every community, and every citizen.”
“To every Nigerian shaken by the events of the past 10 days, my heart is with you. You deserve safety. You deserve peace. Nigeria must rise again,” Obi concluded.