Former presidential candidate and National Democratic Congress presidential aspirant, Peter Obi, has called for urgent national reforms, saying Nigeria must become a country that works for all citizens through accountable leadership, job creation, and credible elections. Obi made the remarks during the NDC aspirants’ dinner held in Abuja shared on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 by TV Platinum.
Addressing party members and supporters at the gathering, Obi urged Nigerians to prioritize nation-building and collective responsibility, stressing that the country’s current challenges require decisive change. “Let’s for once build a nation. Let’s for once build a place where Nigerians will say they have,” he said.
The former Anambra State governor referenced the ongoing war in Ukraine while comparing the country’s agricultural support to Nigeria despite its own conflict situation. “I’ve said it before and let me say it every day. Ukraine is at war. Ukraine gave Nigeria grain to fight hunger,” Obi stated. “Ukraine gave Nigeria grain to fight hunger. They are at war,” he repeated.
Obi also compared the geographical size of Ukraine to Northern Nigeria, arguing that Nigeria possesses the landmass and potential to address its food and economic challenges internally.
“The entire Ukraine is about 600,000 square kilometers. The entire Northern Nigeria is 760,000 square kilometers,” he said. “Northern Nigeria is at least 25% bigger than Ukraine. But they gave us grain even when they are at war,” he added.
According to Obi, the situation highlights the need for Nigeria to rethink its governance structure and economic priorities. “These are things we must stop. We must change this country because it is a corrupting country,” he stated. “It is a country that must work for all of us. It is a country that must give jobs to every Nigerian,” Obi added.
The former presidential candidate also praised Nigerian youths, describing them as energetic and capable of driving national transformation through active political participation. “The Nigerian youth is energetic. We will campaign. We will go everywhere and talk to people and come out and campaign,” he said.
Obi further stated that candidates seeking leadership positions in the next election cycle must present convincing reasons to earn public support rather than rely on political influence or manipulation. “For those who want to rule Nigeria for the next four years, they must give us a reason to vote for them,” he said.
He also spoke strongly about the need for electoral credibility, insisting that citizens would no longer accept manipulated outcomes. “It is no longer going to be, let us not be regarded by their threat to rig election. This time, our votes will count,” Obi stated. “Our vote will count. If it does not count, those who refuse to count it, we will count them” he added.
Obi concluded by urging Nigerians not to accept poor governance as normal, insisting that citizens must demand accountability from political leaders. “Because we cannot go on like this. We have a country. This country must work. These people can no longer take us for granted,” he said….See More
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