Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Peter Obi, has criticised the APC-led Federal Government over worsening insecurity, poverty and hunger, saying President Bola Tinubu has failed to address the country’s major challenges.
Obi made the remarks at Isiama Primary School in Isiama, Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, during the funeral service of the late Okaji Simon Okorie Abaa, father of the ADC’s Ebonyi South Senatorial candidate, Linus Okorie.
Addressing a large crowd of supporters and sympathisers, Obi urged Nigerians to protect their votes in the 2027 general elections, insisting that only credible leadership could rescue the country from its current challenges.
“Nigerians are already being harassed—not just my supporters. Hunger is harassing everybody. The worsening economic situation is affecting everyone. Go to any village, and you will see that people are suffering. It is time for Nigerians to tell those governing us that enough is enough,” he said.
Responding to a question on whether he still had confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission, Obi said the credibility of elections ultimately depended on the resolve of Nigerians to defend their votes.
“It is not really about confidence in INEC; it is about having confidence in the people. The people will determine what INEC does. If Nigerians insist that their votes must count, then their votes will count,” he said.
He urged citizens to reflect on the country’s direction and the future awaiting younger generations.
“The people should look at what is happening in Nigeria and ask themselves: What is the future of our children in this enterprise called Nigeria? Are we going to continue in this direction?
“Anyone who is talking about change in Nigeria today is making the ultimate sacrifice because we cannot continue like this. Every day, poverty is increasing. Every day, hunger is increasing. The World Bank recently reported that poverty has risen to almost 79 per cent from about 51 per cent when this government came into office.
“But you do not even need a World Bank report to know what is happening. Go to the villages and see for yourself. Millions more Nigerians are facing hunger. So, what are we going to do about it? Are we going to continue like this? No,” Obi said.
The former Anambra State governor also paid tribute to Linus Okorie’s late father, describing the senator as a longtime political associate and friend.
“This is not the first time we have worked together. We worked together in the Labour Party, and now we are together in the ADC. That shows the kind of relationship we have. But we are here today to pay our last respects to his late father.
“We pray that God Almighty, who blessed Papa with a long life, will grant him eternal rest in His kingdom and give the immediate family and all of us the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. May God continue to bless the family,” he said.
