Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, has decried the challenges of being an opposition figure in Nigeria, citing systemic hostility and personal sacrifices.
Speaking candidly about his experiences during a media chat on Thursday in Abuja, Obi painted a grim picture of the hurdles opposition leaders face in the country’s political landscape.
“Oppositions here are actually difficult. If I tell you what I face, what I go through, what my family goes through, you wouldn’t even believe I should still be standing and going around this country,” Obi said.
“It is difficult to be in opposition in this country, extremely difficult because everything is against you. People don’t even want to see you. They don’t even want to talk to you.”
Obi further explained how even casual interactions with colleagues are fraught with tension, as many fear reprisals from the government. “I see colleagues, I greet them at the airport, they don’t even want to reply because they don’t want the government of the day to see them greeting you. Your businesses, everything you’re involved in is being dismantled,” he lamented.
Despite these challenges, Obi remains resolute, emphasising his commitment to Nigeria’s progress. “I’ve made up my mind that if this is the end, so be it. We need to show more commitment to the future of our country. None of us is going to live here forever. Everybody who means well should come together to get the country to work,” he urged.
Obi also used the opportunity to address the pressing issues of Nigeria’s struggling economy, rampant inflation, and dwindling productivity. Referring to reports that President Bola Tinubu has spent approximately 30% of his time in office on international trips, Obi urged a greater focus on domestic issues.
“My appeal is that you (Bola Tinubu) dedicate 20% of 2025, roughly 72 days, to visit each of the 36 states for two days each,” Obi advised. “Such visits will give you an opportunity to better understand the dire economic and security situations across the country. And wait and see how inflation will come down from 34% to 15%.”
Obi concluded by urging leaders and citizens to prioritise unity and truth over propaganda and political gamesmanship. “There’s a lot of, call it lies. There’s a lot of propaganda. There’s a lot of trying to bamboozle the people, going on here and there, which has to stop. Let’s build this country,” he implored.
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