The Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has dismissed recent criticism accusing him of de-marketing Nigeria, saying truth-telling about the country’s challenges is essential to national growth.
Obi, in a statement on X on Thursday, said his remarks about Nigeria’s economic and political realities are meant to strengthen, not tarnish, the country’s image.
Despite not mentioning names, Obi’s statement comes a week after Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu accused him of speaking negatively about Nigeria abroad.
“I tried reminding those who argue that I de-marketed Nigeria by telling the truth about its economic and social status vis-à-vis the rest of the world that truth does not in any way demarket a nation,” he said.
He added, “Rather, it refines and strengthens it. But the moment we begin to weaponise the truth for political convenience, we dishonour the legacy of those who came before us. We betray the very essence of their sacrifices, their struggles, their hopes, and their dreams.”
Obi spoke after attending a memorial lecture honouring Chief Edwin Clark, an elder statesman, alongside former President Goodluck Jonathan and former Head of State Yakubu Gowon.
In his speech, the former Anambra State governor questioned the quietness of once-vocal opponents who had protested petrol and food price increases under Jonathan, claiming that the situation had deteriorated today.
He stated, “I asked some very vital rhetorical and reflective questions, like what has suddenly happened to the protesting voices in this country? Where are those who, in 2012/13, protested vigorously when increases in fuel, exchange rates, food and transport prices were moderate and manageable under President Jonathan?
“Where are those who called President Jonathan all sorts of names, ‘clueless, corrupt, ineffective and lifeless government”? Where are they now that the prices of everything have increased tenfold?”
Obi also lamented Nigeria’s worsening insecurity, poverty and institutional decay.
“We are also losing innocent lives daily through insecurity, poverty, poor healthcare, and avoidable hardship. This is not the Nigeria our founding heroes envisioned.
“We must not reduce their sacrifices to mere ceremonial tributes. The best way to honour Chief Edwin Clark and others like him is to restore integrity in governance, rebuild trust in our public institutions, and ensure that truth and justice are the foundations of our national journey.
“Nigeria must work for all Nigerians, not just for a privileged few,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu had, in a statement on Monday, April 28, accused Obi of making “disparaging” comments about Nigeria during his recent appearance at Johns Hopkins University in the United States.
Sanwo-Olu stated that notable Nigerians visiting overseas should enhance the country’s image rather than de-market it, particularly in front of a worldwide audience.
