Peter Obi laments rising insecurity, political instability, Says Nigeria has become a “Now Disgraced Nation”

Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, has expressed deep concern over Nigeria’s deteriorating security situation and worsening political instability, declaring that recent events justify the description of the country as a “now disgraced nation,” a phrase previously used by former U.S. President Donald Trump. In a strongly worded statement shared on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Obi said the nation has reached a critical point where insecurity, internal political sabotage, and governance failures threaten the foundation of Nigeria’s democracy.

Obi noted that although many Nigerians were angered when Trump described the country as disgraced, the unfolding events—particularly the alarming rise in violent attacks—have made it increasingly difficult for citizens to defend the nation’s image. He cited the kidnapping of 25 individuals in a single week, alongside the killing of a military general and several officers, as evidence of a worsening security collapse. These incidents, he argued, portray a nation unable to protect its citizens or safeguard its institutions.

The former Anambra State governor also referenced a fresh terror attack in Kwara State, warning that Nigeria’s escalating insecurity cannot be ignored or downplayed. According to him, while the nation reels from one violent incident to another, political leaders continue to engage in frivolous distractions and petty power struggles that do nothing to solve the crises confronting the nation.

Instead of showing statesmanship, unity of purpose, and moral leadership, Obi said Nigeria’s political class is embroiled in destructive internal wrangling. “Rather than uniting in this critical moment, we are consumed by party squabbles and distractions,” he said, lamenting that the focus of political actors remains on infighting rather than addressing the urgent security and economic challenges facing the country.

The former presidential candidate also accused the Federal Government of deliberately fueling internal crises in major political parties. He pointed to ongoing disputes within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), and several others, describing them as manufactured conflicts designed to weaken the opposition and destabilize Nigeria’s democratic framework. He alleged that the government is using state institutions to undermine the coherence of opposition platforms, rather than working to build national unity at a time of rising instability.

Obi recalled an experience during the administration of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, whom he praised for demonstrating political maturity and respect for democratic principles. He noted that during an internal crisis in his then-political party, the president instructed the then-Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Maurice Iwu, to ensure stability within all political parties—whether in government or opposition. Yar’Adua, he said, believed that democracy could only thrive when all political parties were allowed to function legally, peacefully, and independently.

According to Obi, that era showed a president committed to strengthening democracy, not weaponizing state power against political opponents. “No party was to be undermined; all were to function within the law,” he recalled. He contrasted Yar’Adua’s inclusive and stabilizing approach with what he described as the current administration’s divisive tactics.

“What we witness today is the opposite,” Obi said. “The current government seems more intent on weakening parties than strengthening our democracy—seeking to fragment the PDP, Labour Party, SDP, and others.”

The former governor warned that democracy cannot flourish in an environment where opposition voices are stifled, party systems are manipulated, and political competition is distorted by government interference. He stressed that in true democracies around the world, opposition parties are respected and provided with the latitude to operate independently. Elections in those countries, he added, reflect the genuine will of the people, and governance is driven by inclusion, fairness, and national interest—not political vendettas.

Obi argued that Nigeria’s political system has drifted far from those democratic ideals. He maintained that unless the government takes urgent steps to restore credibility to the democratic process—by respecting opposition parties, ensuring transparent elections, and promoting inclusive governance—the nation risks further descent into chaos.

He urged political leaders to rise above narrow interests and commit to saving the country from its current trajectory. According to him, Nigeria needs a collective resolve to secure lives and property, revive the economy, rebuild institutions, and restore public trust.

Obi also stressed that political stability is essential for national security. He argued that where political parties are destabilized and public institutions are weakened, citizens lose confidence in the system, creating fertile ground for criminality, insurgency, and widespread disorder. He warned that without genuine reforms and responsible leadership, Nigeria’s insecurity would continue to worsen.

The former presidential candidate reiterated his belief that Nigeria can still chart a new path if leaders embrace sincerity, accountability, and democratic principles. He said the country’s current challenges, though grave, are not insurmountable if Nigerians are united in their efforts to build a better society.

“In democratic nations, opposition is respected, elections reflect the will of the people, and governance involves carrying everyone along for peace and prosperity,” Obi said. He urged Nigerians not to lose hope, insisting that transformative leadership is still possible.

Concluding his statement, Obi reaffirmed his vision for a reformed and prosperous nation, declaring: “A New Nigeria is Possible.”

His comments have since generated significant debate across social and political circles, with supporters praising his courage in calling out the government and critics accusing him of politicizing insecurity. However, the underlying issues raised—ranging from the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic institutions to growing insecurity—remain subjects of national concern.

As the country continues to grapple with rising violence, economic strain, and political uncertainty, observers say Obi’s remarks reflect a broader sentiment among many Nigerians who believe that the country’s leadership must do more to halt its decline and restore a sense of hope, unity, and national purpose.