February 1, 2026 l By Dalena Reporters Staff Correspondent
IBADAN — Former Governor of Anambra State and 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi urged Nigerians on Sunday to keep political leaders in their prayers, emphatically stating that “politicians are the problem” at the root of the country’s persistent socio-economic and governance crises. The remarks were delivered during a thanksgiving service marking the 50th anniversary of Oyo State at the Cathedral of St. Peter’s, Aremo, Ibadan.
Obi, a leading voice within Nigeria’s reform and accountability circles, said the nation’s challenges stem not from lack of resources but from failure of leadership and poor management of public funds, lamenting that those entrusted with political authority have fallen short of expectations. “Our nation is not poor but only poorly governed,” he declared, adding that citizens should “pray God should touch our hearts to use public money for public good.”
Addressing congregants that included clerics, political figures, and state officials, Obi emphasized that Nigerians — especially leaders — ought to commit themselves to greater accountability and service before pursuing political power. He acknowledged the weight of responsibility borne by those in public office and stressed the importance of collective moral reflection in governance.
Obi also praised Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for what he described as a “people-centred leadership style” and visible progress in the state’s development, noting that his own delegation was impressed by infrastructural and social improvements during their visit. He said communities and leaders alike can drive change when public resources are deployed transparently and responsibly.
Throughout his address, he reiterated that meaningful progress in Nigeria depends not only on policy reforms but also on the moral conduct of political actors, reasoning that reforms have little impact without ethical leadership. “Remember us in your prayers that God should touch our hearts to use public money for public good,” Obi urged the audience.
The former governor’s comments arrived amid broader national conversation about leadership accountability, governance reforms, and Nigeria’s socio-economic trajectory as political stakeholders prepare for the upcoming 2027 elections.