Firstsitenews-In a strongly worded statement, former Anambra State governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has attributed Nigeria’s rising hunger and poverty to entrenched corruption and poor leadership.
Obi noted that the current economic hardship is not a random occurrence but the direct result of leaders lacking capacity, compassion, and the will to put citizens’ welfare first.
Citing recent data from the United Nations, he revealed that about 34 million Nigerians are projected to face acute food insecurity, while 63% of the population approximately 133 million people live in multidimensional poverty. Inflation, even with official figures downplayed, stands close to 30%, while unemployment and economic mismanagement have “nearly wiped out” the middle class.
“Families who once lived stable lives are now slipping into poverty,” Obi lamented, adding that other nations facing similar crises have reversed their fortunes through disciplined leadership, sound economic reforms, and a focus on human development.
He pointed to Argentina as an example, where, despite starting 2024 with 52% of the population in poverty, inflation above 200%, and collapsing economic confidence, the government achieved significant improvements within two years. Through decisive cuts to waste in governance and prioritizing economic stability, Argentina reduced its poverty rate to 38.1%, extreme poverty to 8.2%, and monthly inflation to around 2–3%. By 2025, urban poverty had fallen to 31.6%, lifting millions out of poverty and restoring investor confidence.
Obi stressed that Nigeria and Argentina’s current leaderships assumed office in the same year, proving that while two years may not fully transform a nation, it is enough time to lay the foundations for genuine change if the leadership is honest, focused, and people-oriented.
“Nigeria can work. We can reduce hunger and restore dignity to our people. But this will not happen while corruption and criminality dominate governance,” Obi said. “Our nation needs leaders who put the people first, manage resources prudently, and reject corrupt practices. Cutting the cost of governance and prioritizing education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation is the only path to lasting change.”
Concluding, Obi reiterated his optimism: “A New Nigeria is possible but only if we commit to honest, focused, and accountable leadership.”
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