The Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has said Nigeria is more naturally endowed than the United States and the United Kingdom but continues to lag behind due to weak institutions and poor leadership.
He spoke at the 2025 Leadership Forum Conference in Abuja, themed “Rethinking Leadership: Uniting a Divided People.”
Obi began his session by declining a prepared speech and chose an interactive discussion instead.
He encouraged participants to ask questions that would shape the direction of the conversation.
Responding to a question on national cohesion, Obi explained that no country begins with a uniform set of values.
He said identity politics thrives because incompetent leaders use ethnic or religious sentiments when they cannot compete on merit.
He recalled urging Nigerians not to vote for him based on his ethnicity or faith, but on competence and character.
Obi linked governance challenges to poor human development outcomes.
He noted Nigeria’s life expectancy of about 54 years ranks among the lowest globally.
He criticized the poor treatment of medical professionals and academics, contrasting it with professors abroad who earn more than many state governors.
He added that Nigeria has now overtaken India in infant mortality, making early childhood more dangerous than in many comparable countries.
He noted that while India invested consistently in its institutions, Nigeria prioritized physical infrastructure over human development.
Obi said Nigeria is naturally better positioned than many advanced economies, with fertile land, abundant minerals and favorable weather.
The difference, he said, is that countries like the US and UK built strong institutions.
He warned that decisions today, including Eurobond borrowings maturing in 2048 and beyond, will directly affect the youth.
Encouraging young Nigerians, Obi urged them not to lose hope.
He said graduates should seek opportunities abroad but remain committed to contributing to Nigeria’s progress.
“Your future is tied to the decisions we make today,” he said.
He also emphasized that law, order and the rule of law are key to economic growth and national transformation.
