Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has raised alarm over the deepening hunger, poverty, and economic hardship in Nigeria, attributing the situation to what he called “leadership lacking capacity and compassion.”

In a statement on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, Obi said hunger and poverty were no longer mere statistics but “the harsh reality millions of Nigerians face daily.” He cited recent United Nations data estimating that about 34 million Nigerians are projected to experience acute food insecurity, while 63% of the population, around 133 million people, live in multidimensional poverty.

Obi criticised the country’s current economic path, noting that “inflation, even with suppressed figures, is nearly 30%,” and that unemployment, combined with economic mismanagement, has “almost erased our once vibrant middle class.” Families who previously enjoyed stability, he said, are now sliding into poverty.

Drawing a comparison with Argentina, Obi highlighted that the South American country, which had been in economic distress, managed significant improvements within two years through disciplined governance. “In Argentina, over 52% of its population lived in poverty by early 2024… yet within two years, the new president reduced the poverty rate to 38.1% from 52%, with inflation at just 2–3% monthly,” he said, noting a concurrent rise in investor confidence and living standards.

He stressed that Nigeria and Argentina underwent leadership changes in the same year, pointing out that “two years may not be enough to completely transform a nation, but it is more than enough to set the transformation in motion, if the leadership is honest, focused, and committed to the people.”

Calling for urgent reforms, Obi said Nigeria could reduce hunger and restore dignity to its citizens, but only if corruption and criminality are removed from governance. He urged leaders to embrace prudent resource management, reject corrupt practices, and prioritise education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation.