Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called for renewed commitment to national security and people-focused governance following recent killings in Katsina State.
Obi made the appeal in a post shared on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Monday after visiting the state, where he met with key stakeholders of his political movement, including Mustapha M. Inuwa and Lawal Musa Daura.
The former Anambra State governor said his visit to Katsina came shortly after a similar engagement in Kaduna State.
While in Katsina, Obi commiserated with residents over the recent attacks, describing the loss of innocent lives as tragic and a stark reminder of the urgent need to prioritise security nationwide.
“The loss of innocent lives is a painful reminder of the urgent need to prioritise security and protect every Nigerian life. A nation that fails to safeguard its citizens cannot truly progress,” he said.
During his meeting with stakeholders, Obi emphasised the importance of strengthening Nigeria’s democracy by focusing on citizens’ welfare and investing in critical sectors, particularly youth and women.
He stressed that empowering young people and women with the right skills and opportunities remains essential for sustainable development and long-term national growth.
Obi also called for a shift away from identity-based politics, urging leaders and citizens to embrace competence-driven leadership anchored on merit, integrity, and capability.
“The Nigeria of our dreams will not emerge by chance; it requires deliberate effort. We must move away from politics driven by sentiments of tribe, religion, and entitlement, and embrace a system where merit, integrity, and capability define leadership,” he stated.
Despite the country’s challenges, Obi expressed optimism that meaningful progress is achievable if citizens remain committed to doing the right things.
He urged Nigerians to continue contributing their quota to nation-building with dedication and consistency, maintaining that a better and more secure nation is possible.
