The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, has described Nigeria’s latest position on the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) as a disturbing reflection of poor leadership.
Obi noted that Nigeria remains among the most terror-affected countries globally, with a sharp increase in terrorism-related deaths.
According to the GTI report, Nigeria recorded the highest rise in terrorism-related fatalities worldwide in 2025, with deaths increasing by 46 per cent from 513 in 2024 to 750.
The country now ranks fourth on the index, behind Pakistan, Burkina Faso, and the Republic of Niger.
In a statement shared on X on Thursday, Obi said that while many nations are experiencing a decline in terrorism, Nigeria appears to be moving in the opposite direction.
“This trend is a direct result of misplaced priorities, weak governance, corruption, a lack of rule of law, and the persistent neglect of security, which is the government’s most fundamental duty,” the former Anambra governor wrote.
“From the insurgency of Boko Haram to the growing threat posed by the Islamic State West Africa Province, the crisis of kidnapping, and unchecked violence in our rural communities by heavily armed bandits, Nigerians are dying daily while those in power continue to feast.”
“What is the purpose of government if it cannot protect lives? Why are we normalizing tragedy while other nations make progress?
“This is not the Nigeria we should accept. We cannot continue down this path. It is time to move from excuses to action and from failure to measurable progress.
“A safe and secure Nigeria is not too much to ask; it is the right of every citizen, and it must be delivered.”