On the occasion of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, October 1, 2025, Mr. Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, delivered a poignant address titled “A Great Nigeria Is Still Possible.” The speech, broadcast live from Abuja at 10:00 AM WAT, reflects on Nigeria’s historical promise, current crises under the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration, and a call for renewed leadership to restore the nation’s greatness. Below are 20 key points distilled from his remarks:

1. Celebration of Independence: Obi urged Nigerians to honor the sacrifices of founding fathers who secured independence on October 1, 1960, and to express gratitude to God for the nation’s blessings.

2. Historical Optimism: He recalled Time Magazine’s 1960 prediction of Nigeria as an emerging African superpower, reflecting the confidence of the independence era.

3. Leadership Failures: Obi lamented that tragic leadership failures have derailed Nigeria’s early promise of prosperity and global leadership.

4. *Resilience Amid Setbacks: Despite challenges, he highlighted Nigeria’s resilience, notably the 1999 return to democracy after military rule.

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1. Economic Decline: He noted that under APC leadership over the past decade, Nigeria’s status as Africa’s largest economy has slipped to fourth, behind South Africa, Egypt, and Algeria.

2. Debt Explosion: Obi pointed out that Nigeria’s debt rose from N2.5 trillion (10% of GDP) in 2007 to N175 trillion (nearly 50% of GDP) by 2025, with no productive gains.

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3. Debt Forgiveness Legacy: He credited former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration with securing $30 billion in debt forgiveness, a foundation squandered by subsequent mismanagement.

4. Democratic Milestone: Obi celebrated the 2015 peaceful transition of power as a democratic triumph, now undermined by an “undemocratic” label.

5. Poverty Surge: He revealed that over 15 million Nigerians were pushed into acute poverty in one year under the current administration.

1. Human Development Crisis: More than 150 million Nigerians lack basic healthcare, education, water, and sanitation, a figure worsening daily.

2. Extravagant Spending: Obi criticized billions spent on presidential jets, yachts, luxury cars, a N25 billion Vice Presidential residence renovation, and N10 billion for National Assembly car parks and canteens, dwarfing healthcare and science budgets.

3. Rising Costs, Falling Services: Nigerians face higher costs for passports, permits, electricity, petrol, food, rent, and healthcare, yet receive unreliable power and deepening food insecurity.

4. Hunger Projections: UNICEF and WFP predict 33 million Nigerians will face acute hunger in 2025, exacerbating the crisis.

5. Reckless Borrowing: The government borrows for consumption, not investment, worsening economic instability.

1. Security Collapse: Insecurity, including rampant kidnapping and terrorism, has crippled the economy, making road travel perilous and scaring away investors.

2. Global Lessons: Obi cited China, India, Indonesia, and Bangladesh as models of economic turnaround through disciplined, people-centered leadership.

3. Call for Competent Leadership: He advocated for prudent economic management, investment in human capital, rule of law, and infrastructure to unlock Nigeria’s potential.

4. Rejection of Old Politics: Obi called for an end to a system where leaders feast while citizens starve, urging a new politics of prosperity for all.

5. Hope and Determination: Despite current failures, he insisted Nigeria’s talent, resources, and resilience can make it an industrialized nation with the right leadership.

6. Vision for a New Nigeria: Obi concluded with a pledge to rebuild, transcend personal interests, reject corruption and division, and create a future defined by competence, compassion, and commitment, asserting, “A new Nigeria is POssible.”

Context and Impact

Delivered at a time when Nigeria grapples with economic stagnation, insecurity, and political disillusionment, Obi’s speech resonates with his 2023 campaign themes of frugality, equity, and accountability. The address, shared via Labour Party channels and widely circulated on X with over 50,000 views by 02:50 AM WAT on October 2, 2025, has sparked debates. Supporters like @PeterObiSupporter hailed it as “a roadmap to redemption,” while APC critics, including @APCYouthForum, dismissed it as “recycled rhetoric” lacking actionable plans.

Obi’s reference to specific figures—N175 trillion debt, N25 billion residence renovation—drew attention, though some analysts question the exact sourcing, given official figures from the Debt Management Office (DMO) pegged public debt at N121 trillion as of June 2025, suggesting a projected rise. His call for global benchmarks aligns with data from the World Bank, noting India’s GDP growth from $1.1 trillion in 2010 to $3.7 trillion in 2023 through infrastructure investment.

Why This Matters

The speech underscores a critical juncture for Nigeria, 65 years post-independence, where economic and security challenges threaten its unity. Obi’s vision challenges the APC’s governance model, positioning him as a persistent opposition voice ahead of future elections, while his emphasis on human capital echoes global development trends.

Peter Obi’s “A Great Nigeria Is Still Possible” speech on October 1, 2025, offers a scathing critique of current leadership and a hopeful blueprint for renewal. As Nigerians reflect on 65 years of independence, his 20 key points ignite a call to action, urging a collective push toward competence, compassion, and a prosperous future. The journey to a new Nigeria, he insists, begins now.