The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has pushed back against accusations of de-marketing Nigeria, stating that telling the truth about the country’s challenges should not be mistaken for negativity or criticism. According to Obi, honest reflections on Nigeria’s economic and social realities are necessary steps toward national development.
In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, Obi emphasized that truth-telling plays a vital role in refining and strengthening any nation, rather than tarnishing its image. Without directly naming individuals, Obi’s comments appear to be a response to recent criticisms by Segun Sowunmi, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, both of whom had accused him of painting Nigeria in a bad light during his international engagements.
Obi made his statement shortly after attending a memorial lecture and tribute event held in honour of Chief Edwin Clark, OFR, CON. The event also featured notable figures, including former Nigerian leaders Yakubu Gowon and Goodluck Jonathan.
“I tried reminding those who argue that I de-market 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 de-market a nation,” Obi wrote. “Rather, it refines and strengthens it. But the moment we begin to weaponize 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.”
He further criticized the apparent silence of those who had actively protested economic issues during the Goodluck Jonathan administration. Obi posed reflective questions, asking why voices that condemned former President Jonathan for modest fuel and food price increases in 2012–2013 have now gone quiet despite a significant worsening of the same conditions.
“Where are those who called President Jonathan all sorts of names—‘clueless,’ ‘corrupt,’ ‘ineffective,’ and accused his government of being lifeless?” Obi asked. “Where are they now that the prices of everything have increased tenfold?”
He condemned the prevailing hardships in Nigeria, citing insecurity, poverty, poor healthcare, and daily loss of innocent lives as urgent national concerns that need to be addressed honestly and without political bias.
