Former presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi
- blames politicians for woes, lauds Makinde’s strides in Oyo
Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, Mr Peter Obi, has accused President President Bola Tinubu of prioritising international engagements over domestic challenges and the reception of politicians from opposition parties against 2027.
The former governor of Anambra State described politicians as Nigeria’s greatest challenge, insisting that the country’s persistent socio-economic problems stem from poor governance rather than a lack of resources.
But convener of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Ideological Group (BAT-IG), Bamidele Atoyebi, came in Tinubu’s defence, describing him as the political and ideological successor of the departed Obafemi Awolowo.
He argued that Awolowo’s democratic socialist principles continue to influence Nigeria’s system of governance through Tinubu.
In a statement posted on his X handle yesterday, Obi described January as “a distressing month” for Nigeria, which uncovered how rapidly conditions in the country were deteriorating.
He said insecurity worsened nationwide last month, with reports of killings and “hundreds of kidnappings and abductions”, while captors demanded millions of naira in ransom.
Faulting Tinubu’s travel schedule, Obi said while leaders of other countries focus on domestic governance at the start of the year, Nigeria’s President prioritised foreign trips, and had already spent 23 days abroad across two trips; “beginning the year overseas and returning on January 17, also departing on January 26 to Türkiye, where he remained as of January 31.
“What urgent matters continuously warrant his absence from the nation? When he does return, it often appears to be merely to welcome defectors into the All Progressives Congress (APC) before he jets off again.”
He accused the political class, particularly of the APC, of being focused on power struggles and election calculations at the expense of governance.
At the Cathedral of St. Peter, Aremo, Ibadan, during a special church service held as part of activities marking the golden jubilee celebration of Oyo State, yesterday, he urged the citizens to pray for politicians, whom he described as the problem of the country.
According to him, Nigeria is richly endowed but has failed to translate its vast human and material resources into meaningful development due to leadership failures over the years.
He urged Nigerians to continually pray for their leaders, stressing that the quality of governance ultimately determines the well-being of the people.
He said Makinde’s administration demonstrated that governance could deliver tangible benefits when driven by sincerity and commitment to public service.
Atoyebi, in a statement yesterday entitled: ‘Sage, Pa Awolowo Lives On’, maintained that opposing Tinubu while admiring Awolowo was a contradiction.
According to him, Tinubu embodies the political philosophy championed by Awolowo and reflects it in both policy direction and governance style.
He stated that Awolowo’s ideas remain deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political development, noting that many political decisions and policy frameworks in the country still align with Awolowo’s theories, either directly or indirectly.
Drawing comparisons between the two leaders, Atoyebi argued that Tinubu practices democratic socialism, an ideology Awolowo consistently advocated.
He said several policies associated with Tinubu’s leadership mirror Awolowo’s long-standing positions on social welfare, taxation, education and public development.
However, Obi said, “Nigeria is not a poor country; (but) it is poorly governed. The truth is that we, the politicians, are often the problem. That is why I ask Nigerians to remember those in leadership in their prayers, that God will touch our hearts to use public resources for the public good.”
Obi, who recently pitched tent with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), however, lauded Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, for “visible progress and purposeful leadership since assuming office”.
The Guardian
