Tag: peter obi

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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.
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‎“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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Niger Tanker Explosion: No Nigerian Should Die Trying To Live – Peter Obi

Former Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has stated that no Nigerian should lose their life while struggling to survive.

Obi was reacting to a tanker explosion that claimed many lives in Niger State, in a post on his verified X handle on Wednesday.

Recall that At least 30 people allegedly lost their lives and around 40 sustained various degrees of injuries in the explosion that occurred Tuesday morning in Essan and Badeggi communities.

Obi said, “I just read the report of yet another mishap in Niger State yesterday, where no fewer than 30 people reportedly lost their lives and about 40 others sustained varying degrees of injury in a tragic tanker explosion that occurred along the Bida–Agaie Road in Katcha Local Government Area of the state.

“I extend my deepest condolences to the families who lost loved ones, to the affected communities, and to the government of Niger State. It is both sad and painful that poverty continues to drive our people into situations where they must dangerously risk their lives to survive. Even more heartbreaking is that tragedies like this occur almost daily across our nation.

“The loss of Nigerian lives has become so frequent that it is often met with silence and indifference from those in authority. We cannot continue this way. I appeal once again that we, the leaders, must show greater empathy, compassion, and a deep sense of responsibility.

“We must remain committed to building a nation that truly values its people—where every life is treated with dignity. These recurring tragedies should awaken us to our collective responsibility to build a Nigeria where no one has to die simply trying to live.

“May the souls of all who lost their lives rest in peace, and may their families find comfort and strength,” he wrote.

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2027: I’m Not Afraid Of Losing ADC Ticket To Atiku – Peter Obi Declares

The Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has said he is not worried about losing the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in the upcoming 2027 elections.

Obi, during his recent visit to LEA Primary School, Kapwa, Abuja, also dismissed growing speculation that Atiku may hijack the party’s presidential ticket, describing him instead as a dear elder brother and respected leader.

The speculation is coming amid reports that Atiku’s loyalists from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, have been defecting to the ADC coalition.

Atiku had in a recent BBC Hausa interview, declared that he would not step aside for any aspirant unless defeated at the ADC primaries.

This was said to have sent anxiety through political circles and prompted fresh debate on his 2027 ambitions.

Reacting, Obi allayed the fears, stressing that the emerging coalition was about national rescue, not rivalry.

“Let me tell you. Atiku is a very dear elder brother and leader that I have a lot of respect for. I’m not afraid of losing ADC’s presidential ticket to him. I’m a member of the Labour Party and I belong to the coalition forming the ADC for the presidential election in 2027.

“I can tell you, other parties and people are going to be part of it. All of us are going to come together as a people. That’s my belief.

“For us to do the right thing for the country, all well-meaning people will have to come together to rescue the country,” he said.

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Peter Obi Has Better Chances In 2027 Than 2023 – Aisha Yesufu

Prominent social activist Aisha Yesufu has expressed confidence in Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate Peter Obi’s prospects, stating that the 2027 elections offer him a stronger chance than in 2023.

Yesufu made the statement on Friday in Umuahia, Abia State, during an interactive session with newsmen at the Girls’ Summit organised by Protect The Precious Foundation, where she was a guest speaker.

According to Yesufu, many Nigerians who were sceptical about Peter Obi’s message in 2023 have now come to support his vision, giving him more momentum for the 2027 race.

“Peter Obi has more hope in 2027 than there was in 2023. When he started running in 2023, people said only four persons were tweeting for him. Despite the rigging that took place, he still got over six million votes. He won the 2023 election, even without having a single councillor,” Yesufu stated.

She further emphasised that the growing awareness of Obi’s message had resulted in a larger following for the Labour Party candidate.

“Many didn’t believe in him then, but today, people have seen the truth he stands for. His followership has grown, and all we ask for is a free, fair, and credible election, though we know they lack the capacity to give that,”Yesufu further stated.

Yesufu also urged Nigerians to ensure that their votes count in future elections, stressing the importance of transparency and accountability.

“When you vote, make sure your vote is counted and entered for your candidate. Otherwise, all you did was paper painting,”she advised.

When asked about her expectations for the INEC Chairman-designate, Yesufu expressed disappointment, saying she had no specific expectations from him.

“I don’t have any task for him because even the President that appointed him, I don’t believe is supposed to be there. For me, the focus is on the Nigerian people. INEC is not the problem; the people working there are. They are our brothers, sisters, spouses, and relatives. We must ensure they don’t take bribes or rig elections. If we do that, nobody will dare to rig,” she stated.

Yesufu lamented the lack of necessary electoral reforms as the 2027 elections approach, highlighting the need for immediate changes to ensure free and fair elections.

“Nothing has been put in place. Nigerians must realise that the 2027 election is a fight for our lives,” she said.

On the challenges facing Nigeria, Yesufu dismissed the notion that they were spiritual in nature. She pointed to bad governance as the root cause of Nigeria’s problems.

“People are dying from bad governance, corruption, and wrong policies. It’s not village people or enemies, it’s bad leaders. To have good governance, we must elect people with competence, character, and capacity, not looters or selfish individuals,” she explained.

Yesufu also expressed deep concern over the ongoing neglect of the rights and welfare of girls in Nigeria. She condemned the government and society for turning a blind eye to abuses such as r*pe, child labour, and political exclusion.

“We must criminalize r*pe, punish offenders, and give victims a voice,” she stressed, calling for stiffer punishment for perpetrators.

“R*pe can be stopped if it is treated as a serious crime. Right now, it’s not. Offenders are often excused, and victims are shamed,”she added.

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Singer Peter Okoye Reacts As Waitress In US Restaurant Slids Into His DM Over The ‘Small’ Tip He Left Behind

Peter Okoye has responded after a waitress at a U.S. restaurant sent him a direct message criticizing the tip he left.

Peter had visited the restaurant and spent $1000 to eat. According to the waitress, he finished eating and left only $60 as tip.

The waitress reiterated that small tips and many other acts are the reason why many now “h@te”Peter.

The singer screen grabbed the DM and reacted via his Instagram stories.

See his reaction below:

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2027: Forcing Peter Obi To Withdraw Will Take Away The Hope Of Nigerians – Labour Party

The Labour Party (LP) has addressed ongoing discussions about potential alliances with opposition parties and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The LP’s Interim National Publicity Secretary, Tony Akeni, in an interview with Punch, dismissed speculation that Peter Obi could step down for any political coalition or rival aspirant.

According to Akeni, forcing Peter Obi to withdraw from the 2027 race will amount to betraying the hopes of millions of Nigerians seeking change.

He maintained that neither Peter Obi nor the Obidient Movement would surrender their presidential bid, stressing that “our motto is forward never, backward never.”

He added, “Forcing Peter Obi to withdraw from the race is to take away 90 per cent of the hope of Nigerians for redemption and a new beginning.

“So, I see a situation where we will all come together, stakeholders, and take the right decision at the right time. And that right time is still a little bit far away. It’s going to be close to the primaries.

“There is no substitute for the ideology of the Labour Party. And so, we are going head on for the presidency if the right decision is not taken by the coalition.”

Akeni also appealed to Atiku to prove his love for the country by doing the right thing and giving Peter Obi a chance in 2027.

He said, “Let Atiku think of what is best for his epitaph. Would he like to be remembered as the man who sacrificed Nigeria for his ambition, yet he didn’t get it, or the man who sacrificed his ambition for Nigeria and took it from the cliff to the pathway of modern progress and advancement?”

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Trade Fair Demolition: Temper Law With Compassion – Peter Obi to Lagos Govt

Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate has sent a message to the Lagos State government over demolition of structures in the state.
He urged the government to temper enforcement with mercy.
He said that being legally correct is not a substitute for being morally right.
This comes after he visited the site of the demolished ASPAMDA Market at the Trade Fair Complex, which he criticised and described the razing of traders’ plazas as a test of the state’s commitment to justice and human dignity.
Last week, the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, said Obi launched into emotional theatrics when he described the incident as “a test of impunity, justice and compassion.”
The Commissioner justified the demolition as constitutional, noting that the affected traders got ample time to regularise their papers when the state government declared a general amnesty last year, which was extended several times.
In a statement on his X handle on Tuesday, Obi warned that the law must never be wielded in a way that inflicts “undeserved pain” or destroys livelihoods when less destructive remedies exist.
Obi recalled a personal experience abroad to illustrate his point, saying governments should pursue formal legal remedies rather than waking up one morning to demolish homes or businesses.
“Those seeking to justify the current demolitions in Aspamda Market, Lagos, and similar situations across Nigeria must be reminded that the law is not an end in itself; it is a means to ensure order, peace, and the protection of human dignity.
 
“When the law becomes an instrument to inflict undeserved pain – enforced without compassion or regard for human welfare – it ceases to serve justice.
 
“Even if, for the sake of argument, some of the affected traders failed to obtain the proper approvals, which is unlikely, was demolition the only option? If opportunities for regularisation truly existed, as some have argued, why were they not pursued?
 
“Does it truly serve justice to destroy billions of naira worth of investments and livelihoods when less destructive remedies could have sufficed?” He asked.
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Peter Obi Demands Stern Punishment For Politicians With Forged Academic Certificate

The Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi has demanded stiffer punishment for certificate forgers.
He spoke in a post on his verified X handle on Monday.
Obi stressed the need to end the era where forgery and deceit are rewarded with power, adding that true leadership must begin with truth.
He lamented that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, makes little or no effort to scrutinize certificates before the elections.
“How do you tell young Nigerians to be honest and upright when those they are supposed to emulate are the least to be emulated because they are criminals and dishonest?
 
“Certificate forgery is a serious criminal offence in all countries of the world. It is one of the most corrupt practices heavily punished.
 
“We are now preparing for the 2027 general elections. INEC have enough time to investigate past complaints about various forms of forgery and false claims.
 
“Our Electoral amendments must include that anyone intending to contest for any public office, whether an incumbent or a new candidate, must submit all academic certificates to the electoral body immediately after party primaries, at least six months before the election.
 
“We must deal with certificate forgery holistically with the seriousness and level of criminality it deserves. Criminal offences should not be dismissed as a mere procedural matter. We must end the era where forgery and deceit are rewarded with power. True leadership must begin with truth,” he wrote.
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I Did Not Disrespect Olubadan – Peter Obi Clarifies

Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has clarified that his goodwill message to His Royal Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, carried no element of disrespect.

In a post on his verified X handle on Sunday, Obi said he prefers to use the expression “my dear elder brother” when addressing individuals especially those close to him and for whom he has tremendous respect.

“I have read the concerns of those aggrieved by what they considered improper addressing.

“I respect protocol and authority, and I try, as much as possible, to adhere to them. However, those who follow me would have noticed that I often prefer to use the expression “my dear elder brother” when addressing individuals especially close to me and for whom I have tremendous respect.

“I always refer to His Royal Majesty Igwe Alfred Achebe, Obi of Onitsha, as my very dear elder brother in the same affectionate manner.

“In matters of wrongdoing, motive is important. I assure all that my words were borne out of untrammelled goodwill,” he wrote.

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