The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 election, Peter Obi, on Friday said Nigerians do not need a World Bank report to understand the country’s worsening poverty, adding that people should visit villages and witness the hardship themselves.
Obi spoke in Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State after attending the burial of Okaji Okorie, father of NDC Ebonyi South senatorial candidate Linus Okorie.
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He said hunger, insecurity and economic hardship have left citizens under severe pressure and urged Nigerians to decide the country’s future through collective action.
Obi’s remarks went beyond politics. While responding to questions on the alleged harassment of NDC supporters, he said the hardship facing Nigerians has become so widespread that every citizen is affected, regardless of political party. He insisted that what people experience daily offers a clearer picture than statistics alone.
Villages tell the story
Obi said a recent World Bank report showing that poverty had climbed to almost 79 per cent from about 51 per cent when the present administration took office only reflects what Nigerians already know.
He urged people to look beyond official figures and see conditions in rural areas for themselves.
“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.”
He maintained that millions of Nigerians are struggling to feed themselves and questioned how long such conditions should continue.
Obi also rejected the suggestion that only opposition supporters are facing intimidation. He said hunger and economic hardship have become a burden carried by the entire population.
“For me, every Nigerian is 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 also said anyone demanding change in the country’s present condition is making a major sacrifice because poverty and hunger continue to increase every day.
Confidence should rest with the people
Obi also responded to questions about public confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission ahead of the 2027 general election.
He said the future of the election depends less on the electoral body and more on the determination of Nigerians to protect the value of 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 urged citizens to think carefully about the future of the country and the opportunities available to 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?”
Obi questioned the future of Nigeria, calling for change as hunger persists in Nigeria.
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