The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration, claiming that everything is collapsing in Nigeria under the current government.
Obi made the remarks on Saturday during an ongoing town hall meeting in Imo State, where he identified insecurity and the alleged theft of public funds as major challenges confronting the country.
The former Anambra State governor argued that Nigerians were increasingly living in fear because of the government’s failure to adequately protect lives and property.
He promised to prioritise national security and tackle corruption if elected president in the 2027 general election.
Peter Obi Accuses Tinubu Government of Failing Nigerians
Obi expressed concern over the state of the country under Tinubu’s leadership, alleging that insecurity had worsened and public confidence in the government’s ability to protect citizens had declined.
According to the NDC presidential candidate, the alleged diversion and theft of public funds remain among Nigeria’s most pressing problems.
He maintained that his administration would not tolerate the misappropriation of public resources, promising to ensure that government funds were used for the benefit of Nigerians.
“Everything under President Tinubu is collapsing. We have become more terrorised, and Nigeria is now number four. Tinubu no longer has the energy to govern,” Obi stated.
He added that the theft of public money was one of the country’s greatest problems and insisted that such practices would not be tolerated under his leadership.
Obi’s comments come amid continuing public concerns about insecurity, governance and the management of public resources in Nigeria.
Obi Promises State of Emergency on Insecurity
The former Anambra governor also pledged to confront insecurity if elected president, saying his administration would take decisive action to protect Nigerians and restore confidence in the country’s security system.
Obi said he and Rabiu Kwankwaso would work together to promote national unity and address the country’s security challenges.
“If given the opportunity, Kwankwaso and I will unite this country and declare a state of emergency on insecurity,” he said.
The pledge places security and national cohesion at the centre of Obi’s political message as preparations and discussions surrounding the 2027 presidential election continue.
However, the proposed approach would depend on the political circumstances, legal requirements and policy decisions of any administration that emerges after the election.
Lagos APC Leaders Express Confidence in Tinubu’s 2027 Re-election Bid
Meanwhile, chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State have dismissed suggestions that Obi and other opposition candidates could defeat Tinubu in the state during the 2027 presidential election.
The APC leaders expressed confidence that the ruling party would improve its performance in Lagos, arguing that it had addressed the shortcomings they believed contributed to Tinubu’s defeat in the state during the 2023 presidential election.
They made the remarks while speaking with journalists at a political gathering organised by President Tinubu’s daughter and Nigeria’s Iyaloja General, Dr Mujidat Folasade Tinubu-Ojo.
The event was described as part of efforts to mobilise support for the president ahead of the next presidential election.
APC Says It Has Addressed Previous Electoral Setbacks
Barrister Adejumbo Omofumilewa, the Lagos State Director-General of the Iyaloja General Movement (IGM), described the inauguration as a mini-rally in support of Tinubu’s re-election bid.
Omofumilewa expressed optimism that the APC would secure a stronger result in Lagos in 2027, maintaining that the party had taken steps to address the issues that affected its performance in the state during the previous presidential election.
The APC’s position contrasts with Obi’s criticism of the Tinubu administration and his promise to pursue a different approach to security and public financial management if elected.
While Obi is highlighting insecurity, alleged corruption and concerns about governance, the Lagos APC leaders are projecting confidence in Tinubu’s chances of retaining support in the state.
2027 Presidential Election Debate Intensifies
The competing statements underscore the political contest expected to shape Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election, with security, public accountability, economic conditions and electoral support likely to remain important campaign issues.
Obi has presented tackling insecurity, stopping the alleged theft of public funds and promoting national unity as key priorities of his proposed administration.
The APC, on the other hand, has expressed confidence that it can strengthen its political position in Lagos and improve on its performance in the 2023 election.
As political activities gather momentum, the candidates and their supporters are expected to intensify efforts to persuade voters, although the eventual outcome will be determined by Nigerians at the polls.