Esther Imonmion
The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 elections, Mr. Peter Obi, has criticised President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for allegedly prioritising political manoeuvring over governance.
In a post on his verified X handle on Wednesday, Obi accused the administration of focusing more on fuelling internal crises within opposition parties to gain political advantage than addressing the nation’s worsening insecurity.
He referenced a recent comment by U.S. President Donald Trump, who reportedly described Nigeria as “now disgraced,” noting that although the remark triggered outrage, current events make it difficult to dismiss.
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?”
He also drew attention to another terror attack reported in Kwara State, saying the government should be rallying the nation rather than engaging in political distractions.
According to him, crises in the PDP, Labour Party, SDP and other political formations are being deliberately engineered by the government at a time when unity is most needed.
Obi recalled a moment under the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, noting that during a crisis in his former party, the president instructed the then INEC chairman, Prof. Maurice Iwu, to ensure stability across all political parties because it was vital for democracy.
“What we witness today is the opposite,” he stated. “The current government seems more intent on weakening parties than strengthening our democracy.”
He added that in true democracies, opposition is respected, elections reflect the people’s will and governance accommodates all for peace and prosperity.
Obi concluded with his familiar message: “A New Nigeria is Possible – PO.”