Labour Party’s 2023 presidential flagbearer, Peter Obi, has blamed Nigeria’s latest designation by the United States as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) on what he called years of failed leadership, corruption, and policy recklessness under the All Progressives Congress (APC) government.
Reacting on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Monday, Obi said the designation — which implies possible U.S. sanctions or military intervention — was a damning verdict on the government’s inability to secure lives and property.
“The U.S. declaration should worry every patriotic Nigerian,” Obi said. “Our nation is bleeding from unprecedented insecurity, killings, and the daily horror of citizens living in fear.”
Citing Amnesty International figures indicating over 10,000 deaths since May 2023, the former Anambra governor said the mounting death toll was proof of a leadership vacuum and the state’s failure to fulfill its most basic duty — the protection of its citizens.
“This tragedy did not begin today, but what is glaring is the absence of competence, discipline, and commitment in the APC-led government,” he said. “We are witnessing the consequences of misplaced priorities and reckless governance.”
Obi, however, urged both Abuja and Washington to choose diplomacy over confrontation, saying Nigeria’s sovereignty and America’s concern for human rights should meet at the table of mutual respect.
“This is not the time for threats or posturing,” he noted. “Both nations must work together — urgently and sincerely — to confront the terror, injustice, and inequity that have destabilised our people.”
A consistent critic of the ruling party, Obi reiterated that Nigeria’s insecurity and economic despair are symptoms of deeper failures in leadership and national values.
“Our leaders have abandoned equity, justice, and accountability,” he lamented. “Until we restore integrity and purpose to governance, we will continue to lose lives, dignity, and global respect.”
