- Peter Obi asserts that Nigeria’s current socio-economic situation is worse than during Ibrahim Babangida’s (IBB) military regime
- He noted that while other countries have advanced on the Human Development Index (HDI), Nigeria has stagnated or declined
- Obi commends IBB for publicly admitting that MKO Abiola won the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election
Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has stated that Nigeria’s current socio-economic situation is worse than it was during the administration of former military president, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Obi made this assertion on Thursday, February 20, after attending the launch of A Journey in Service, the autobiography of IBB, who ruled Nigeria from 1985 to 1993.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he referenced a notable French phrase from the event’s keynote speech, Rien n’a changé (meaning “Nothing much has changed”), but countered that in Nigeria’s case, “we are worse off than we were during IBB’s era.”
Nigeria’s declining Human Development Index
Obi compared Nigeria’s development trajectory to that of its peers at the time, including Bangladesh, India, Vietnam, and Ghana.
He noted that while these nations have progressed to medium and high levels on the Human Development Index (HDI), Nigeria has remained stagnant in the low HDI category.
“Using our contemporary peers as a benchmark, when IBB left office in 1992, countries like Bangladesh, India, Vietnam, and Ghana were all in the low HDI category—just like Nigeria.
“Today, however, these nations have advanced to medium and high HDI levels, while Nigeria remains in the low HDI category, having either stagnated or declined,” Obi stated.
IBB’s economic contributions
Despite the economic challenges of the Babangida era, Obi acknowledged IBB’s contributions to Nigeria’s financial sector and efforts toward national unity.
“Under his leadership, Nigeria witnessed substantial growth, particularly in the financial sector. He played a key role in fostering a united and equitable Nigeria, ensuring policies that strengthened national cohesion and economic development,” Obi remarked.
He also emphasised the importance of preserving historical experiences through documentation, saying such efforts provide valuable lessons for national progress.
“Documenting such experiences is a welcome development, as it allows us to learn from those who have served and left a lasting impact on the nation. I look forward to reading this book, which undoubtedly holds valuable lessons,” he added.
Nigeria vs. Ghana: A tale of two democracies
Comparing Nigeria’s electoral system to Ghana’s, Obi highlighted how Ghana has maintained a stable democracy for over 30 years, ensuring smooth leadership transitions that reflect the people’s will.
“Unlike Nigeria, where electoral outcomes often fail to reflect the people’s will, Ghana has witnessed instances where ruling party candidates conceded defeat, respecting democracy in its truest form,” he stated.
Obi expressed concerns over Nigeria’s persistent struggles with electoral integrity, noting that this issue has contributed to the country’s social and economic stagnation.
IBB’s acknowledgement of June 12 election
Obi also commended Babangida for openly admitting that the June 12, 1993, presidential election was won by Chief MKO Abiola of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
He described this acknowledgement as a crucial step toward national healing, unity, and progress.
“One of the most profound moments of the event was IBB’s admission that Chief MKO Abiola won the June 12 election. This acknowledgement is a step toward national healing, unity, and the progress of our nation,” Obi remarked.
ZLP denies adopting Peter Obi as 2027 presidential candidate
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) strongly rejected reports that it has adopted Peter Obi as its sole candidate for the 2027 presidential election, calling the claims “mere rumours” and a “figment of the imaginations of the peddlers.”
The party clarified that it had no discussions with any individual about the 2027 election, warning those exploiting its name for personal gain with legal action.