Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra State and Labour Party’s presidential hopeful in the last general election, has responded to accusations of “demarketing” Nigeria, a charge recently made by Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
While addressing students at Johns Hopkins University, Obi painted a grim picture of Nigeria’s economic decline, citing a sharp increase in poverty.
He compared Nigeria’s situation to countries like Vietnam, Indonesia, and China, stating Nigeria has surpassed all three in the number of people living in poverty.
Governor Sanwo-Olu condemned Obi’s comments, describing them as disparaging and unbecoming of a statesman.
According to him, national figures speaking abroad should highlight Nigeria’s strengths rather than its shortcomings, regardless of their political stance.
But Obi, speaking days later in Abuja at a memorial event for elder statesman Pa Edwin Clark, defended his position. He argued that truth-telling should not be mistaken for sabotage.
Citing World Bank and UNICEF data showing widespread poverty and child malnutrition in Nigeria, Obi asked if those global institutions were also guilty of speaking ill of the country.
He maintained that constructive criticism and honest dialogue are essential to national development, not signs of disloyalty.
