Obi accuses leaders of focusing on ‘stealing’ 2027 election amid insecurity

Former Anambra State governor and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has criticised Nigerian political leaders over what he described as their failure to prioritise the country’s worsening security situation.

Reacting to a terrorist attack on the Ngoshe community in Borno State, Obi said the incident reflects the harsh reality faced by many Nigerians living under constant threat of violence.

In a statement posted on his X account on Friday, the former governor described the attack on a military base and an internally displaced persons camp in the community as unacceptable.

Accuses leaders of political distraction

Obi argued that many political leaders appear more focused on preparations for the 2027 elections than on addressing the persistent security crisis.

According to him, the ongoing killings across the country show a troubling level of indifference among those in positions of authority.

“While Nigerians are slaughtered daily by terrorists, what is more troubling is that amid these daily killings, our political leaders are preoccupied with selfish schemings on how to steal, grab, and run away with the next election cycle and keep us in insecurity, poverty, and underdevelopment,” he said.

The former governor also questioned how long Nigerians would continue to suffer the consequences of what he described as poor leadership and mismanagement.

He asked authorities to take decisive action to secure communities, protect vulnerable citizens and dismantle insurgent networks operating in different parts of the country.

“How many more lives must be lost before decisive action is taken to secure our communities, protect the vulnerable, and dismantle the structures of these insurgents?” he said.

Condolence to victims’ families

Obi extended condolences to families who lost loved ones during the attack and expressed solidarity with those displaced by the violence.

He emphasised that protecting lives and ensuring citizens’ dignity should be the top priority of any government that claims to serve the people.

“To the families who have lost loved ones, to the children now displaced, and to the communities living in fear, I stand with you in grief and in resolve,” he said.

The attack occurred in the Gwoza area of Borno after suspected fighters from Boko Haram raided a military base before moving into nearby communities.

According to the spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Force in the state, Nahum Daso, the assailants stormed the military facility at about 1:00 a.m. on Wednesday before launching further attacks on the community.

Several people were reportedly killed in the incident, which has renewed concerns about the persistent threat of insurgency in Nigeria’s northeast.

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