The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has pushed back against critics who keep making him the subject of political discussions, insisting that Nigeria’s poverty, hunger, and insecurity deserve far more attention than attacks on his personality.
He made the remarks during an interview aired on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics. He said political conversations have drifted away from the issues affecting ordinary Nigerians, even as millions continue to battle economic hardship and insecurity.
Obi maintained that public figures should spend their time discussing how to improve people’s lives instead of turning political arguments into personal attacks.
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His comments succeeded continued references to him by political opponents in media interviews and public engagements.
Rather than respond to those criticisms, Obi said the country’s real problems should dominate national conversations because they directly affect citizens.
Obi said that discussion about him is irrelevant, maintaining that such has nothing to do with the condition of Nigerians.
He said, “Calling me names doesn’t make me feel anything. But they are abandoning issues we are supposed to discuss and discussing what I think is irrelevant.”
He pointed to poverty, hunger, and insecurity as the issues that deserve urgent national attention, saying too much time is being spent discussing him instead of finding answers to the country’s challenges.
“I am not the problem of Nigeria. If they want to discuss anything, let them discuss how to pull our people out of poverty, out of hunger, and secure the country,” he said.
Obi’s comment emphasised leaders’ concentration on improving the lives of citizens rather than engaging in personal exchanges that leave the country’s problems untouched.
Obi also dismissed suggestions that his political activities are driven by a personal desire to occupy the Presidency.
He said his interest has always been centred on seeing Nigeria function better.
“I’ve always said, I’m not desperate to be Nigerian president. I’m desperate to see Nigeria work. So if it’s working, I’ll support whatever makes it work,” he said.
Obi said he wants a country where success depends on ability and hard work instead of connections. He also said young Nigerians should have opportunities to find jobs, build businesses and contribute to national growth.
He maintained that his decision to seek the Presidency was based on his belief that he could unite the country and improve governance.
“I’m contesting because I believe that I will fix it. I will unite the country. I’m able to do it to show an example of what is possible,” he said.
Obi also referred to his humanitarian visits to communities affected by conflict and natural disasters in northern Nigeria, insisting that his interest in national welfare is beyond politics.
The country, according to him, will improve when public discussion is centred on solving the foregoing problems instead of focusing on individuals.