Peter Obi, former Anambra governor and 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), says leadership reform is the most important reform Nigeria needs to achieve meaningful development.
Obi said this in a post on his official X account on Monday after meeting with young Nigerian professionals in Washington, D.C.
He said the meeting, attended by medical and healthcare professionals, educators, lawyers, engineers, technology experts, entrepreneurs and business leaders, focused on good governance and reforms needed to move Nigeria forward.
“Important as our economic, political, and institutional reforms are, the most important reform Nigeria needs is the reform of leadership itself.
“No nation can rise above the character, competence, capacity, and commitment of those entrusted with its leadership,” he said.
Obi said Nigeria was blessed with intelligent and hardworking people as well as abundant natural resources, but lacked leadership that genuinely prioritised citizens and treated public resources as a sacred trust.
“We need leadership that strengthens our institutions, invests seriously in education and healthcare, supports businesses and entrepreneurs, creates jobs and opportunities for our young people, and gives every Nigerian a reason to believe that hard work can still lead to a better life,” he said.
The former governor also described Nigerians in the diaspora as important partners in national development.
“Our diaspora should never be seen as people who have simply left Nigeria. They remain an important part of Nigeria and must be partners in rebuilding our country.
“We must build a Nigeria where our young people do not have to leave their country in order to fulfil their dreams, and where those already abroad can confidently return, invest, contribute and participate in our national development,” Obi said.
He said achieving such a Nigeria would require responsible leadership, stronger institutions, prudent management of resources and active citizen participation.
“That Nigeria is possible. But it will not happen by accident.
“If we get leadership right, we can get Nigeria right. We must continue to believe. We must continue to work. And we must continue to demand a country that works for everyone,” he said.
