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Peter Obi Reacts As ActionAid Reports Huge Youth Unemployment In Nigeria

Former Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has expressed concern over a recent ActionAid/Plan International report revealing that more than 80 million young Nigerians are unemployed.

In a post on his verified X handle on Tuesday, Obi said the report is an indictment of the nation’s leadership and economic direction.

The ex-Anambra governor said that Nigeria tops the world in the absolute number of unemployed youths due to its large population, with over 80 million youths without jobs.

He added that South Africa with a youth unemployment rate of around 60%, translates to about 6 million unemployed youths, is still more than 70 million fewer than Nigeria.

“When millions of youths are unemployed, it is not a youth problem, it is a leadership failure. This is the direct result of political greed that has failed to serve the people.

“Nigeria has one of the largest youth populations in the world, with about 75% of our citizens under the age of 35. With such a large share of the population young, joblessness at this scale should be a national emergency.

“It is deeply troubling that, rather than investing in these youths as our most productive assets, promoting and supporting MSMEs the drive growth and create employment, we the Leaders chose wasteful spending, corruption, unproductive borrowing, and policies that will shrink opportunities and expand poverty, reducing Nigerian youths to easy tools for all forms of vices.

“Nigeria does not lack entrepreneurial and resourceful youths, what we lack are leaders who are intentional about creating opportunities. We need leaders who understand that jobs come from deliberate investments in production and from running a government that is prudent, transparent, and people-centred, that can lift people out of poverty.

“We need leadership that will see youths as the engine of productivity and growth of a nation. This is the time, more than ever, for the Nigerian youths to get involved and ensure they elect leaders who have their best interest and the best interest of our nation.

“Nigeria deserves competent, credible, compassionate, and capable leadership, one that will create opportunities and empower our young Nigerians,” he wrote.

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Peter Obi Reacts As Arrested Terrorists’ Confessed Govt Officials Supplied Them Arms, Ammunition

The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called for an immediate, thorough, transparent, and independent investigation into the confession of arrested terrorists who alleged that government officials supplied them with arms and ammunition.

Obi made this call in a statement posted on his verified X handle on Sunday.

He decried that despite the huge amount of money the government has collected in the name of security, insecurity has only expanded across the country, and in an increasingly brazen manner.

“Yesterday, a disturbing video emerged from Kwara State in which suspected terrorists arrested by security forces claimed that ammunition and logistics were supplied to them by government officials.

“This allegation, now circulating widely, over the years, trillions of naira and billions of dollars have been continuously collected by the government in the name of security.

“This type of news fallout gives credence to the much-referenced quotation of the late military leader General Sani Abacha that any insurgency that lasts more than 24 hours, the government is involved.

“Former President Olusegun Obasanjo reinforced this point even more directly when he said: Before I left office, Nigeria could identify and locate anyone who committed any crime anywhere in the country. Today, with technology such as drones and improved tracking tools, we can easily locate and remove them. But we are not doing that. Why are we negotiating with terrorists?

“The government controls telecommunications, intelligence systems, and even financial trails, yet kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism continue to thrive. This reality raises serious questions for those in power.

“Between 2010 and 2015, under President Jonathan, Nigeria built one of the most advanced police communication and tracking infrastructures in its history. These systems were specifically designed to track criminal movements, particularly those of terrorists, monitor communications, and facilitate rapid response.

“We must therefore begin to ask:

Where are these pieces of equipment, and why are they not being used? Why do terrorists’ confessions so often implicate government officials?

“In cases such as the St. Mary’s Catholic School attack, about 100 children were released just days ago, and government officials celebrated. Yet no terrorist was arrested, no punishment announced, and, to this day, no clear update has been given on the more than 200 children and teachers still in captivity.

“Why have we not deployed the equipment already at our disposal to trace these terrorists and rescue the remaining abducted schoolchildren?

“When insecurity persists on this scale, day after day, it points either to complicity or to a failure of leadership. No society should accept either.

“A government that truly makes human life a priority does not pamper insecurity; it eliminates it. The foremost responsibility of any government is the protection of life and property. Nigeria needs leaders of competence, transparency, and capacity, leaders who will end this insecurity once and for all,” he wrote.

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Peter Obi Reacts As US Navy Seizes Nigerian-Owned Supertanker

Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, has responded to reports that a Nigerian-owned supertanker was seized by United States authorities.

The supertanker was seized over allegations of crude oil theft and illicit activities.

In a long post on X, Obi said he had warned the Nigerian government in the past about these illegal activities.

Obi called for proper investigation into the matter and said the incident was a “wake-up call.”

He wrote: “My attention has been drawn to reports that the Nigerian-owned supertanker was seized by the United States authorities over allegations of crude oil theft and related illicit activities. While the full facts are still emerging, this development is deeply troubling and speaks to a much bigger crisis that has continued to undermine our national economy, our global reputation, and the future of our young people.

“Severally over the years, I have consistently alerted that Nigeria is losing billions of dollars annually to crude oil theft, a criminal enterprise that has been allowed to thrive because of weak institutions, lack of accountability, and an entrenched culture of impunity. When a nation’s most valuable resources are stolen in broad daylight, whether at home or on the high seas, its people inevitably suffer. Our schools deteriorate, our hospitals remain underfunded, insecurity worsens, and millions slip further into poverty.

“The seriousness of this incident should be appreciated and thorough investigation insituted to get the root of the matter.

“This incident should serve as a wake-up call. I have consistently mentioned that ordinary Nigerians cannot steal crude oil, and no responsible nation can afford to look away while its wealth is siphoned off by a network of powerful individuals.

“We must strengthen our maritime security, reform our regulatory agencies, digitise and transparently track every barrel of oil produced in this country, and dismantle the criminal cartels that have operated with impunity for decades.

“More importantly, we must rebuild Nigeria’s global image by showing the world that we are serious about the rule of law, honest governance, and responsible management of our national assets. A nation cannot attract investment when it is constantly in the news for corruption, theft, and mismanagement.

“Relevant Nigerian authorities should work with international partners to establish the facts of this case and ensure that anyone found complicit faces justice, without fear or favour. Our nation cannot continue on this path.

“Nigeria has everything it needs to become a prosperous and respected nation. What we lack is competent and compassionate leadership that will prioritise the welfare of our citizens. It is time for that to change.”

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Ambassadorial List: The Names Being Paraded To Represent Us Are Shocking – Peter Obi Declares

Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has criticised the list of ambassadorial nominees sent to the Senate by President Bola Tinubu, calling some of the selections “shocking” and reflective of a deteriorating political culture.

On November 29, 2025, Tinubu sent the names of 32 nominees to the legislature, days after forwarding three names in an earlier batch.

Among the nominees were prominent political figures, including former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, ex-aviation minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, former chairman of INEC, Mahmood Yakubu, and former governor of Abia state, Okezie Ikpeazu.

Obi reacted in a Monday statement posted on 𝕏, questioning the standard behind the selections.

He said, “Yes, some of the names being paraded to represent us as ambassadors globally are shocking.

“But with a leadership that has allowed mediocrity, corruption, and impunity to rise to the top, who else did you expect them to choose?”

The former Anambra governor also tied his criticism to the economic strain affecting millions of households.

He said, “When our people are being killed, our leaders are busy hosting dinners. When children are being snatched from their schools, the political class is celebrating and dancing,” he added.

“When families cannot afford their next meal, those in power are welcoming defectors and exchanging gifts as though Nigeria is not burning.

“This is not governance. This is not leadership. And this is certainly not the Nigeria we deserve.”

The ex-Anambra governor said the suffering in the country has become a pain one carries silently.

He recounted an emotional moment at Abuja airport on Monday, where young Nigerians questioned his recent silence.

Obi added, “It is the kind of pain that makes you remember the humiliating remark from the American president who referred to Nigeria as a ‘now disgraced country’.

“Today, when you look around, you begin to understand why the world speaks of us that way.”

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Peter Obi Remains Labour Party Member – Datti Baba-Ahmed Says

Datti Baba-Ahmed, a former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, stated on Friday that former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi has not left the party.

Speaking to journalists after the party’s National Executive Council meeting in Abuja, which was observed by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Baba-Ahmed dismissed reports suggesting that Obi had dumped the LP.

“To the best of our knowledge, our brother, His Excellency Peter Obi, is still a member of the Labour Party. Nothing has changed. If he were here now, I would have shifted my seat to the left for him,” he said.

Baba-Ahmed maintained that the party had survived its internal troubles, adding that the development signalled better days ahead.

He also described INEC’s attendance at the meeting as a major boost.

“The Labour Party has not reduced in any way. We have only increased in numbers. But with the submission of our leader, the National Secretary, we have gone through rough times, as is usual with political associations, and have emerged from it.

“The highlight and major turning point of this NEC meeting is the presence of INEC, which validates this sitting and justifies our presence here. As law-abiding citizens, we strictly go by what the law provides.

“This is a renewed drive for reconciliation, and I am here as a loyal party member to continue to open our arms to embrace new and existing members, to come back and reconcile with the party for the national assignment ahead of us,” he stated.

Commenting on rising insecurity in the country, the LP chieftain recalled that they had warned Nigerians that such outcomes were likely if they failed to elect the right leadership.

He said, “Only two days ago, a state of national emergency was declared in Nigeria. If you recall, we warned Nigeria and the world that this was likely to happen — and it is happening.

“Nigerians voted en masse for change, and something else happened. The result is what we saw two days ago: school abductions in hundreds, senior army officers killed publicly.

“These would never have happened if the Labour Party had formed the government of Nigeria.”

He added that the LP remained committed to workers’ welfare.

“It is the birthright of LP, among all political parties, to ensure decent and realistic living wages for all workers. This will play a key role from now until 2027 and beyond.”

Friday’s NEC meeting, chaired by National Chairman Julius Abure, was part of ongoing efforts to resolve the leadership tussle triggered by the controversial 2024 national convention in Nnewi, which split the party into rival camps backed by top figures, including Obi and Abia State Governor Alex Otti.

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We Can’t Dispute Trump Calling Nigeria A Disgraced Country – Peter Obi

The Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration over the worsening insecurity in the country.

In a long post on X, Obi stated that no one can dispute US president Donald Trump calling Nigeria “a disgraced country”.

He was reacting to the recent terror attack on a Christ Apostolic Church, CAC, in Kwara state.

According to Obi, Tinubu is more interesting in breaking up the opposition than strengthening the nation’s democracy.

Obi wrote: “A few weeks ago, when President Trump described our country as “now disgraced,” many were outraged. Yet, how can we dispute it when, within a single week, 25 people were kidnapped, and one of our generals along with other officers was killed?

“Today, we witness another troubling terror attack in Kwara State. Rather than uniting in this critical moment, we are consumed by internal wrangling, party squabbles, and distractions.

“Look closely at what is happening in the PDP, the Labour Party, SDP, and other political formations—crises deliberately orchestrated by a government that should be embracing everyone so we can unite in this troubling period.

“I am reminded of a pivotal moment under President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. During an internal crisis in my then-political party, he instructed the INEC Chairman, Professor Maurice Iwu, that the stability of every political party—not just the ruling party—was essential for democracy. No party was to be undermined; all were to function within the law.

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

“In democratic nations, opposition is respected, elections reflect the will of the people, and governance involves carrying everyone along for peace and prosperity.”

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Nigeria Sending Large Delegates To International Functions Misplaced Priority – Peter Obi

Peter Obi, a former Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, has criticized the Nigerian government for sending an excessive number of delegates to international events.

In a post on his verified X handle on Saturday, Obi argued that such is a misplaced priority, given that about 150 million Nigerians live in multidimensional poverty, struggling daily with food insecurity, inadequate healthcare, and limited access to basic services.

The former Anambra State governor said Nigeria cannot compare herself with China which has larger population and larger GDP than her.

He added that the nation’s participation on the international stage must reflect responsible leadership, one that truly prioritises the needs of its people and demonstrates the country’s genuine capacity to engage meaningfully in global climate action.

“Again, in a bitter twist of irony, we thank Nigeria for having the third-largest delegation at COP30, with 749 delegates, similar to China with 789 delegates.

While Nigeria needs to have a strong voice in global climate discussions, this spectacle comes at a heavy cost to our people, with about 150 million living in multidimensional poverty, struggling daily with food insecurity, inadequate healthcare, and limited access to basic services.


“Yet, our leaders travel in large numbers, funded by taxpayers, attending climate talks abroad while the citizens they are meant to serve continue to suffer.

“Compared to China, which had about the same contingency, China has a high HDI, while Nigeria has a low one, with a key measure of life expectancy at the lowest 54 years, against China’s 79 years. China’s GDP stands at $18.74 trillion, while Nigeria’s GDP is barely 1% of that size, a little over 200 billion dollars. China’s GDP per capita is about $13,300, whereas that of Nigeria is below 10% of that, reflecting the deep economic disparity between the two nations.

“Moreover, 63% of Nigerians live in multidimensional poverty, which is about 150 million people, the highest number in the world, facing deprivations in health, education, and living standards, while it is only 3.9% in China; meanwhile, China’s population is about seven times larger than ours.

“This stark contrast illustrates why Nigeria should not be sending a delegation of this size. The human and financial resources expended on hundreds of officials travelling abroad could instead be directed toward urgent social investments at home, improving healthcare, education, and living conditions to lift our people out of poverty,” he wrote.

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Only In Disgraced Country – Peter Obi Slams Govt Over Unpaid Super Eagles Allowances

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has slammed the Federal Government over reports that the Super Eagles are being owed allowances, calling the situation a reflection of a “now disgraced nation.”

Obi’s reaction follows concerns raised by Super Eagles midfielder, Alex Iwobi, who shared a video showing the reportedly poor state of the team’s accommodation in Rabat, Morocco, ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying playoff against Gabon.

In a statement on Tuesday via X, Obi said it was “truly unfortunate” that players who “consistently give their best in representing our dear nation” are being owed their entitlements, even as the government continues to spend lavishly on “needless political patronage.”

He lamented that the neglect of national athletes sends the wrong message to Nigerian youth, adding that those who serve the country “deserve to be paid promptly and treated with respect.”

Obi urged authorities to “do better” and prioritise the welfare of the nation’s representatives.

He said: “It is truly unfortunate that our Super Eagles who consistently give their best in representing our dear nation, are being owed their allowances.

“We always seem to find money to waste on needless lavish spending and political patronage, yet we cannot pay those who patriotically raise our flag, bring us pride, and serve with dedication. That is what is found in a “now disgraced country”.

“When those who serve their country are not treated with dignity, it sends the wrong message to our youth, that hard work and service are not rewarded. Those who represent Nigeria deserves to be paid promptly and treated with respect. We must do better”.

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NFF: It’s Shameful We Have Allowed Corruption to Take Root in Nigeria – Peter Obi

Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate has lamented that corruption has eaten deep into Nigeria.
According to him, corruption has become a major factor hindering national progress.
Speaking in a post on X titled “Corruption in Sports: A Reflection of Nigeria’s Deeper Malaise,” Obi reacted to FIFA’s revelation on the alleged mismanagement of funds meant for stadium development and youth sports by the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF.
He called the development “sickening and shameful,” saying it reflects the broader decay in governance.
Obi recalled that during his tenure as Anambra State governor, land was allocated for a FIFA-funded stadium in Awka, but the project was never executed.
He lamented that despite receiving about $25 million from FIFA and CAF since 2013, there is little to show for it, describing the reported $1.2 million stadium in Kebbi as “a national embarrassment.”

Obi accused corrupt leaders of “demarketing” Nigeria through mismanagement and theft of public funds, stressing that rebuilding the nation must begin with integrity and accountability.

Obi said: “While we continue to grapple with insecurity, poverty, and the rising unemployment among our youths, the most heartbreaking reality remains the entrenched corruption that permeates every facet of our nation – especially in the critical sectors that could help lift Nigeria in these challenging times.
 
“FIFA’s recent revelation about the mismanagement of funds released to Nigeria’s Football Federation for stadium development and youth talent growth is both sickening and shameful. It perfectly mirrors the broader decay in how our scarce national resources are handled. I am certain that further investigations will reveal even worse realities than what we currently know.
 
“I recall vividly that during my time as Governor of Anambra State, I received officials from the Sports Federation who visited and informed us that Awka had been selected as one of six geographical locations for the construction of a FIFA-standard stadium to be fully funded by FIFA. We immediately allocated land for that purpose, and they assured us that the project would be executed through the Federal Ministry of Sports. That was the last we heard of it.
 
“Believing that such a major project was underway, we channelled our resources toward constructing mini-stadiums across the state to encourage grassroots sports. We commissioned the Chuba Ikpeazu Memorial Stadium in Onitsha, as well as the Godwin Achebe Stadium in Onitsha South, among others.
 
“Years later, nothing came of the promised FIFA project, which prompted us to initiate the construction of the Awka Stadium ourselves. Seeing the recent news about funds released by FIFA to Nigeria to develop talent and improve youth sports, I am deeply disappointed by such blatant squandering of opportunities.
 
“I have always maintained that those who accuse us of “demarketing” Nigeria for speaking the truth and exposing corruption are the very ones who thrive on corruption and deceit. The real demarketers of Nigeria are the incompetent leaders who have forged their way to wealth through the mismanagement and theft of public funds – resources that should have been used to provide schools, healthcare, and employment for our youths and to nurture their talents.
 
“Since 2013, about $25 million has reportedly been received by the NFF from FIFA and CAF – funds meant for the development of football and youth sports in our country. Yet, there is little or nothing to show for it. The so-called $1.2 million stadium in Kebbi State is a national embarrassment. The structure in no way reflects the funds claimed to have been spent on it.
 
“We cannot continue to watch our sports decline while corruption flourishes. Our youths are our most prized assets, yet we have destroyed their future and then turned around to label them “Yahoo boys,” when, in truth, the leaders who have robbed them of their future are the real “Yahoo” of our nation.
 
“This is yet another shameful reflection of the corruption we have allowed to take root in Nigeria. If we truly desire to rebuild our country, we must begin with integrity and accountability in every aspect and sector. Until then, our nation will continue to crawl where it should be soaring.”
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Yahoo Boys Are Geniuses, They Need Redirection, Not Condemnation – Peter Obi

Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has described internet fraudsters, commonly known as “Yahoo boys,” as talented individuals who need proper guidance instead of condemnation.

‎Obi emphasized that these individuals are creatives who lack proper direction, adding that they could contribute to innovation and national development.
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‎Speaking in Onitsha, Anambra State on Saturday, he highlighted that while money is necessary, true wealth is based on integrity, character and purpose.
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‎Obi said wealth should uplift individuals and society by promoting education, reducing poverty and creating opportunities for dignified lives.
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‎“Some of our so-called Yahoo boys are geniuses who need redirection, not condemnation.

“Their creativity and courage, if properly guided, can drive innovation and national development.
‎
‎“Real wealth uplifts both the individual and society, promotes education, reduces poverty, and creates opportunities for others to live dignified lives,” he said.

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