By Charles Chijioke
Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has expressed deep concern over what he sees as the steady deterioration of Nigeria’s social, economic and political fabric, urging citizens to take responsibility for rebuilding the country through active civic engagement and accountable leadership.
In a Father’s Day message posted on his official X account on Sunday, Obi reflected on Nigeria’s past and present, posing a poignant question: “Are we cursed, or are we the cause?”
Afrilensnews reports that Obi recalled growing up in a Nigeria where ethnic, religious and regional divisions played little role in everyday interactions, describing a period when Nigerians identified first and foremost as citizens of one nation.
“I grew up in a Nigeria that was more united and peaceful. In my primary, secondary school and university days, students related freely without divisions of religion, ethnicity, or region. We simply saw ourselves as Nigerians,” he stated.
The former governor also reminisced about an era when business relationships were built on trust and competence rather than ethnic or religious considerations, while the naira enjoyed greater international respect and Nigerians travelled abroad with more dignity.
According to Obi, the country once offered citizens a greater sense of safety and freedom of movement, noting that journeys across major regions of Nigeria could be undertaken without fear of criminal attacks or insecurity.
“I also lived in Nigeria, where I travelled across the country—from Onitsha to Lagos, Maiduguri, and Calabar—without fear. Roads connected people, and life was more secure,” he said.
He further highlighted what he described as the country’s stronger institutions in previous decades, citing public confidence in elections, accountability in governance, functional educational institutions, accessible healthcare services and relatively stable infrastructure.
“Beyond security and unity, there was also a stronger sense of public trust in institutions, with greater confidence in elections, a clearer culture of accountability in governance, more stable universities that served as centres of intellectual excellence and national pride,” Obi noted.
Expressing concern about current realities, Obi said many of the gains enjoyed by previous generations had been eroded, leaving younger Nigerians with fewer opportunities and growing uncertainty about the future.
“Today, as a father reflecting on Nigeria, I am pained that much of this has changed. Insecurity has grown, national unity has weakened, and many citizens no longer feel safe. Opportunities have also diminished for the younger generation compared to what we once had,” he stated.
The former presidential candidate also pointed to Nigeria’s perceived declining influence on the global stage, referencing the recently concluded G7 summit where African nations such as Egypt and Kenya received invitations while Nigeria was not represented.
“It is also worrisome that Nigeria’s influence in global affairs appears reduced, as seen in recent international gatherings such as the just-concluded G7 meeting, where African countries like Egypt and Kenya were invited, while Nigeria was absent,” Obi said.
While acknowledging the symbolic nature of such invitations, he argued that Nigeria’s exclusion reflects a broader challenge regarding the country’s international standing and leadership role on the continent.
Obi, however, urged Nigerians not to surrender to despair. He called on fathers and citizens generally to become active participants in shaping the nation’s future through responsible voting and the defence of democratic values.
“A key part of achieving this is active civic participation. We must obtain our Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), vote responsibly, and remain committed to protecting the integrity of our votes,” he said.
Political observers view Obi’s remarks as part of a broader effort to sustain public engagement ahead of the 2027 general elections. His message is likely to resonate strongly among supporters who believe governance reforms, stronger institutions and citizen participation remain essential to addressing Nigeria’s numerous challenges.
The intervention may also intensify ongoing national conversations about insecurity, economic hardship, governance standards and Nigeria’s role in international affairs. With political alignments already taking shape ahead of 2027, Obi’s comments are expected to further sharpen debates over leadership, accountability and the direction of the country.
He concluded with a call for collective responsibility and national renewal, declaring: “With responsibility, unity, and determination, we can together build the new Nigeria that is POssible.”
