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Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, has expressed confidence in his ability to secure support from northern Nigeria ahead of the 2027 elections, stating that no other candidate can match his plans for the region.
Speaking during an appearance on Prime Time on Arise Television on Monday, Obi said he intends to transform the North, which he described as Nigeria’s greatest asset.
“Nobody can do what I intend to do in the North. We will change the North. Our greatest asset as a country is in the North. We can make more money from agriculture than we make from oil,” he said.
The former Anambra State governor also emphasized the importance of strengthening democratic institutions, calling on the government to support opposition parties.
According to him, a thriving opposition is essential for effective governance and accountability.
“The government should protect the opposition. In fact, they should make opposition stronger and make it work,” he added.
Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has warned that the recent directive by the United States to evacuate its embassy staff from Nigeria over rising insecurity signals fading international confidence in the country’s security system and leadership.
According to him, the move throws Nigeria’s worsening security crisis into sharp global focus, raising fresh concerns about its impact on investor confidence, diplomatic relations, and an already fragile economy.
In a statement on Friday, Obi said the situation should be treated as a national emergency, stressing that the consequences go beyond security to Nigeria’s standing in the eyes of the world.
“The recent directive by the United States to evacuate its embassy staff from Nigeria over rising insecurity is deeply troubling and ought to be treated as a national emergency, particularly for a country already struggling to attract investment.
“Nigeria currently ranks fourth on the Global Terrorism Index, yet the security situation continues to deteriorate. Lives are being lost, and communities remain under constant threat.
“There is a glaring absence of effective governance; instead, we are witnessing actions that undermine democratic processes, as though politics has taken precedence over the safety and welfare of citizens.
“The U.S. directive is a stark signal of declining confidence in our national security architecture.
“More troubling still are reports of the loss of yet another Army Brigadier General to terrorists in Borno earlier today.
“A nation where citizens cannot live, work, worship, or travel safely cannot make progress or inspire investor confidence.
“The primary responsibility of any government is the protection of lives and property. In this regard, we as leaders have consistently fallen short. This failure continues to place immense strain on our armed forces, who bear the burden and make the ultimate sacrifices.
“Regrettably, as the nation deteriorates, we as leaders appear preoccupied, like Nero, with political pursuits, forgetting that without security, there is no nation to govern and no future to contest,” Obi said.
The United States Embassy in Abuja has announced the cancellation of all visa appointments, directing applicants to check their emails for details regarding rescheduled dates.
The notice was shared on the U.S. mission in Nigeria official X handle on Thursday.
The statement reads: “U.S. Embassy Abuja is closed for visa appointments. Applicants should check their email for details on rescheduled appointments.
“Visa operations at U.S. Consulate General Lagos continue. American citizen services are available in emergencies and by appointment.”
