Labour Party presidential candidate and former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, has responded to allegations that he is de-marketing Nigeria, arguing that speaking the truth about the country’s challenges is a path to genuine progress, not negativity.
Obi addressed the criticism in a post on X on Thursday, defending his remarks on Nigeria’s economic and political state.
Although he did not directly name his critics, his response comes just a week after Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu accused him of painting a negative image of Nigeria during a recent appearance 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’s comments came after he attended the memorial lecture in honour of elder statesman Chief Edwin Clark, alongside former President Goodluck Jonathan and ex-Head of State Yakubu Gowon.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s current economic challenges, Obi questioned the silence of those who once protested against similar issues during the Jonathan administration.
“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 rate, 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?” he asked.
Obi also lamented the rising insecurity, poverty, and institutional decline in Nigeria.
“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 earlier criticised Obi in a statement on Monday, April 28, accusing him of making “disparaging” comments about Nigeria during his recent speech at Johns Hopkins University in the United States, urging prominent Nigerians to promote the country’s image rather than de-market it before a global audience.
