THE presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has expressed concern over the growing wave of school abductions in Nigeria, warning that the country risks normalising insecurity and leadership failure.
In a post shared on his Facebook page, Obi recalled how the 2014 abduction of more than 200 schoolgirls in Chibok, Borno State, sparked national and international outrage, leading to the global #BringBackOurGirls campaign and sustained pressure on the government.
According to him, despite the widespread attention generated by the Chibok incident, subsequent school abductions have failed to attract similar levels of public concern and international attention.
The former Anambra State governor noted that Nigeria recorded about ten school abductions during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, while more than ten such incidents have allegedly occurred within the first three years of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Obi questioned whether Nigerians had become so accustomed to insecurity that incidents which once shocked the nation’s conscience were now being treated as routine occurrences.
“At a time when millions of Nigerians are grappling with insecurity, poverty and hardship, it is deeply troubling that those in power appear more focused on political calculations and preparations for the next election than on addressing the urgent challenges confronting our people,” he stated.
The NDC presidential candidate argued that the country’s persistent insecurity, economic difficulties and leadership shortcomings have negatively affected Nigeria’s image on the global stage.
While rejecting attempts to define Nigeria solely by its present challenges, Obi said the nation must confront the realities of insecurity and hardship rather than resort to denial or political distractions.
He called for what he described as competent, compassionate and accountable leadership that prioritises the welfare and security of citizens.
Obi also urged young Nigerians not to become indifferent to the country’s challenges, stressing the need for citizens to resist normalising failure.
“The Nigerian youth must not become indifferent. We must all refuse to normalise failure. Young Nigerians, take back your country,” he said.
He reiterated his long-standing message that: “A New Nigeria is Possible,” calling for collective action to address the country’s security and governance challenges.
