‘New Nigeria is possible’: Obi calls for national unity, electoral reforms

Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called on Nigerians to unite across political, ethnic and religious lines to rescue the country from what he described as deepening socio-economic and democratic crises.

Speaking in Enugu on Tuesday, December 31, 2025, Obi said Nigeria is at a defining moment that requires courage, clarity of purpose and decisive collective action to achieve genuine independence, national unity and sustainable prosperity.

He warned that democracy in Nigeria is under serious threat, alleging that electoral injustice, weak institutions and poor leadership have undermined governance and worsened poverty, insecurity and unemployment.

Obi stressed that electoral integrity is central to national transformation, urging urgent reforms of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the entire electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to him, over 130 million Nigerians are living in multidimensional poverty, while more than 80 million youths remain unemployed, despite the country’s vast human and natural resources.

He stated that Nigeria’s challenges are not rooted in a lack of potential, but in leadership failure, corruption and deliberate exploitation of national divisions.

Drawing lessons from countries such as Rwanda, Indonesia and Singapore, Obi said strong leadership, national consensus and unity were critical to their socio-economic transformation.

He lamented that Nigeria’s GDP per capita has declined over the past three decades, in contrast to comparable nations that made deliberate policy choices to grow their economies and lift citizens out of poverty.

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Obi also criticised the proposed tax regime, describing it as exploitative and harmful to already impoverished citizens.

He expressed concern over reports that a tax law was allegedly forged, insisting that taxation should be part of a fair social contract that makes citizens wealthier rather than poorer.

Calling for honest, transparent and people-centred leadership, Obi urged Nigerians not to despair but to mobilise peacefully and lawfully to defend democracy.

He emphasised that unity, effective leadership and inclusive governance are essential to tackling insecurity, corruption, inflation and unemployment.

In a major political declaration, Obi announced his support for a broad opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), led by former Senate President David Mark.

He called on opposition leaders, political groups and the Obidient Movement to rally behind the coalition in the national interest.

“This is the time for unity and prosperity,” Obi said, expressing optimism that a new, productive and inclusive Nigeria is achievable.

He urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and committed to democratic change ahead of the 2027 elections, insisting that the will of the people must prevail.

The Star