By Ayodele Oni
A New Nigeria is possible if citizens can forget individual ambitions, Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Coalition, (NDC), has assured.
Obi, who spoke after emerging as the Presidential candidate of NDC added that: “This conviction has united us; it must serve as our compass on the challenging road ahead and sustain us through all trials we may face.
“This pivotal moment transcends the individual ambitions of Peter Obi; it concerns the essence of our nation and the future of our children. It is about rekindling hope for millions who have faced adversity yet remain committed to Nigeria.
“Today, our nation finds itself at a crucial juncture, enveloped in uncertainty. Families are anxious about their safety; parents are concerned for their children’s futures; and talented youth increasingly question their prospects in their homeland.
“Businesses are struggling, communities are suffering, and an alarming number of citizens have lost faith in the very concept of governance.
“Yet, I stand before you filled with optimism and strong faith in the resilience of our people, for I firmly believe that a New Nigeria is possible.
“To realise this New Nigeria, we must first mend the foundational elements essential for the success of any nation.
“Nigeria cannot advance while fragmented by ethnic, religious, regional, or narrow political divides. We may communicate in different languages and practise diverse faiths, but we share a singular destiny under one flag.
“Our diversity should not be a source of division; rather, it is among our greatest strengths.
“We should build bridges where others erect barriers, replace mistrust with confidence, division with understanding, and resentment with a collective purpose.
“A united Nigeria is indispensable. As Will Durant wisely pointed out, ‘A great civilisation is not conquered from without until it has destroyed itself from within.’ We must never self-destruct. We must heal, unify, and progress together.”
Obi, who decried alarming rate of insecurity in the country, maintained that
“the situation in Nigeria has considerably worsened.
“The global terrorism impact assessments ranked Nigeria as the 8th most affected nation in 2022, 6th in 2024, and 4th in 2026.
“Yet, for many years, Nigeria garnered global recognition as a reliable contributor to peacekeeping, regional stabilisation, and conflict resolution.
“Our troops have not only displayed bravery but have also shown professionalism, discipline, resilience, and empathy in the most challenging operational contexts.
“Our officers and personnel have successfully commanded multiple international forces, safeguarded vulnerable civilian populations, monitored ceasefires, reinstated constitutional order, and contributed to rebuilding efforts.
“Nigeria became one of the leading contributors of troops from Africa to UN peacekeeping missions and earned widespread admiration for operational effectiveness and leadership in various countries, including Rwanda, Sudan, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Mali, Western Sahara, Congo, Lebanon, Cambodia, Haiti, and Kuwait.
“At one point, a Nigeria, Lt. General Isaac Obiakor (retd) even led global peacekeeping initiatives.
“We must address insecurity with resolve and urgency, for no nation can thrive while its citizens live in trepidation. The primary responsibility of government is to ensure the safeguarding of lives and property.
“Farmers must be able to return to their fields securely; students must be able to learn without fear; communities must be able to rest peacefully; and investors must regain their confidence in Nigeria.
“Our strategy will be intelligence-driven, technology-enhanced, proactive, and community-focused.
“We will fortify our security institutions, enhance operational coordination, support our courageous personnel, and tackle the underlying causes of insecurity—namely poverty, unemployment, and marginalization.”
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