Peter Obi: Hunger, Poverty in Nigeria Real, Not Mere Statistics

Peter Obi says millions face hunger and multidimensional poverty as Dele Farotimi backs his proposed one-term presidency

Former governor of Anambra State and 2023 presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi, said the rate of hunger and poverty in Nigeria was real, not exaggerated, and not mere statistics. Obi said this in a post on X, explaining that the harsh reality was that millions of Nigerians were grappling with acute food shortages and multi-dimensional poverty at a scale never before seen in the country.

The comments came as human rights activist and lawyer, Dele Farotimi, on Monday, supported Obi’s proposed one-term of four years, stressing that past Nigerian leaders squandered longer tenures without delivering meaningful progress.

Writing on X, Obi stated, “In our country today, hunger and poverty are not just distant statistics; they are the harsh reality that millions of our people face daily.

“Recently, the United Nations stated that about 34 million Nigerians will face acute food insecurity, and about 63 per cent of our population, which is about 133 million people, now live in multidimensional poverty.

“Inflation, even with the suppressed statistics, is nearly 30 per cent, while unemployment and economic mismanagement have nearly wiped out our once vibrant middle class. Families who once lived stable lives are now slipping into poverty.

“But this is not just ordinary, it is as a result of incompetent leadership without capacity and compassion, who are not interested in putting the Nigerian people first in their actions.

“Other nations have faced similar challenges and turned their fortunes around through disciplined leadership, sound economic policies, and a total commitment from the leaders to invest in human development and pulling their people out of poverty.”

Obi added, “A recent example is what is happening in Argentina. In Argentina, over 52 per cent of its population lived in poverty by early 2024 according to the World Bank, with millions of Argentines unable to meet basic needs. Inflation was above 200 per cent, and economic confidence had collapsed.

“Yet, within two years, through decisive action to cut waste in governance and prioritize economic stability, the newly inaugurated president was able to cut down the poverty rate to 38.1 per cent from 52 per cent in just two years and extreme poverty fell to 8.2 per cent, with inflation just around 2–3 per cent monthly.

“As at 2025, the urban poverty had declined to 31.6 per cent, lifting millions of people out of poverty. Investor confidence grew and the economy began to grow. The people now see real improvements in their daily lives.”

The former governor stated, “Both Argentina and the current Nigerian leadership assumed office in the same year, and this proves what I have always stated, that two years may not be enough to change a nation with a 100 per cent turnaround.

“But it is more than enough to kick-start the transformation journey that will change the fortune of our dear country, with the people witnessing real and genuine change, but only if the leadership is honest, focused, and committed to the people.

“Nigeria can work. We can reduce hunger and restore dignity to Nigerians. But this will not happen while corruption and criminality dominate our governance. Our nation requires leaders who will put the people first, manage resources prudently, and stand firm in rejecting corrupt practices.”

Obi said, “Nigeria will work, but only if we, as leaders, commit to tackling corruption, cutting the cost of governance, and focusing on critical areas of development like education, healthcare, and lifting the people out of poverty, just as other nations have done with remarkable results. A New Nigeria is Possible.”

Farotimi Backs Obi’s One-Term Proposal, Slams Past Presidents for Wasting Time in Office

Human rights activist, Dele Farotimi, on Monday, supported the four-year single tenure advocated by Obi, stressing that past Nigerian leaders squandered longer tenures without delivering meaningful progress.

Farotimi, who spoke on a television programme, said, “Obasanjo had eight years, what did he do with it? (Muhammadu) Buhari had eight years; what did he do with it? He ruined Nigeria. (President Bola) Tinubu has had two years, and he is taking us back 50 years.

“So it’s not really about how much time the person spends; it’s a function of what they do with the time that they have.”

He stressed that the success of a tenure should not be measured by the eight years in office.

Farotimi stated, “I first heard this one-term presidency idea from Peter Obi during the 2023 election cycle. We need to be interrogating issues beyond interrogating declaration. A man says he’s going to spend one term.

“One term to do what? If I have a vision that can be contained within my lifetime, then it’s not a vision but an ambition. If it’s a vision, I will need my children’s children to complete the task.

“So, if a man says, ‘I’m going to take one term, and I’m leaving,’ I am more interested in asking the question, ‘What are your plans? What will you do with the one term?

“If I ever run for the presidency of Nigeria, I wouldn’t require more than two years to do everything I need to do. You don’t need a long term to achieve lasting change, but the question should be: what does he intend to do with the one term?”