Peter Obi: Nigeria Worse Off Now Than During Babangida’s Era

Yemi Obafemi

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has said Nigeria is in a worse condition now than it was during Ibrahim Babangida’s era.

Obi made this remark on Thursday after participating in the launch of A Journey in Service, the autobiography of former military president Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), who governed from 1985 to 1993.

“The first (takeaway) is the keynote speaker’s notable quotation in French, ‘Rien n’a changé’ meaning ‘Nothing much has changed’. In the case of Nigeria, we are worse off than we were during IBB’s era.

“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 Human Development Index (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.”

He emphasized Babangida’s role in promoting a united and equitable Nigeria, shaping the economic landscape, and implementing policies that reinforced national cohesion and economic growth.

“Under his leadership, Nigeria witnessed substantial growth, particularly in the financial sector.

“He played a key role in fostering a united and equitable Nigeria, and economic landscape, ensuring policies that strengthened national cohesion and economic development.

“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. As someone committed to continuous learning, I will always align myself with knowledge drawn from documented experiences and historical records as well as contributing to the legacy library,” Obi stated.

Obi also praised IBB for acknowledging that MKO Abiola of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) won the June 12, 1993, presidential election.

“Lastly 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 progress of our nation. “

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