2027: Peter Obi Calls For Change, Says Nigeria A Crime Scene
Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has urged Nigerians to look beyond flashy campaign promises and focus on electing credible and compassionate leaders into the National Assembly in the next general election.
Speaking Tuesday at the public presentation of “Obi: The Political Change Agent”, a new book by journalist Ike Abonyi in Abuja, the former Anambra governor declared that 2027 must mark a turning point for Nigeria—and that change must begin with the legislature.
“Now we must focus on getting the right people into the National Assembly, the House of Representatives—people who will bring peace. That’s what we didn’t do last time,” Obi told the audience.
“We must not allow people who just want to make money from politics. If your goal is to make money, you’re part of the problem.”
Obi, a long-time critic of Nigeria’s political elite, called out what he described as a self-serving class of leaders who are indifferent to the suffering of everyday Nigerians.
He warned that the next election cycle is not just another political contest, but a chance to save a country on the verge of collapse.
In his address, Obi promised that Nigerians would no longer watch from the sidelines. He said the Labour Party and its supporters are ready to mobilise and ensure every vote counts in 2027.
“Don’t tell us you’re coming again,” he warned incumbent lawmakers and politicians with questionable records. “We will be everywhere this time. We will vote. The votes will count. And those who were not counted before—we will count them now.”
Obi’s call to action painted a picture of a nation on the brink, where poverty, insecurity, and mass displacement have become everyday realities.
According to him, Nigeria has become a ‘Crime Scene” that is in dire need of repair. Who’s a mum coolee, I’m leading.
Without mincing words, the former governor likened Nigeria to a disaster zone.
“Today in Nigeria, we’re not officially at war, yet Nigerians are living in IDP camps in their own country. Nigerians are refugees in Chad. Nigerians are refugees in Cameroon. And we are not at war!” he said, visibly emotional.
“The only reason is that we don’t have a government that cares. People are being killed daily—nobody visits them, nobody says, ‘We’re sorry.’ Nobody cares. Instead, we see some people celebrating because they can afford it.
Obi also issued a chilling analogy, comparing Nigeria’s current state to the Titanic—a doomed ship whose privileged passengers danced until it was too late.
“Go and read about the Titanic. When it was sinking, some people on the upper deck didn’t know it was going down—until it was too late,” he said.
“Today, those who are dancing don’t know the ship is sinking. When it goes down, it will consume everyone. Nobody will be spared—whether rich or poor, whether you’ve built a mansion or not.”
“When a crisis starts, you can’t carry anything. If you’re running, you can’t be safe. Everyone ends up in refugee camps,” he warned.
The newly launched book, “Obi: The Political Change Agent,” chronicles the LP chieftain’s political journey, policy ideals, and the 2023 elections.
The event drew notable political figures, civil society leaders, and party faithful who praised Obi’s steadfast call for accountability and reform