By Our Reporter
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – Presidential candidate of the National Democratic Party (NDC)Peter Obi, has said Nigeria’s most urgent reform is not merely economic, political or institutional, but a fundamental reform of leadership.
Obi made the submission in a statement posted on his X handle on Monday, following his interaction with a group of young Nigerian professionals in Washington, D.C., United States.
The professionals, according to him, comprised medical doctors and other healthcare workers, educators, lawyers, engineers, technology experts, entrepreneurs and business leaders.
He said the meeting provided an opportunity to discuss Nigeria’s challenges, good governance and the reforms required to move the country forward.
Obi stressed that while economic, political and institutional reforms remained important, the quality of leadership was central to achieving meaningful national transformation.
“No nation can rise above the character, competence, capacity, and commitment of those entrusted with its leadership,” he said.
The former Anambra State governor said Nigeria was blessed with intelligent citizens, abundant natural resources and hardworking and innovative young people, arguing that what the country had lacked for too long was leadership that genuinely prioritised the welfare of citizens.
According to him, Nigeria requires leadership that strengthens institutions, invests in education and healthcare, supports businesses and entrepreneurs, creates jobs and provides young people with opportunities to build fulfilling lives at home.
The former Governor of Anambra State also highlighted the contributions of Nigerians living abroad, saying the diaspora should not be viewed simply as citizens who had left the country, but as an important part of Nigeria’s human capital and potential partners in national development.
He said the country must be transformed into one where young Nigerians would not be compelled to leave in search of opportunities, while Nigerians already abroad would have the confidence to return, invest and contribute to national development.
“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,” he said.
Obi maintained that achieving such a Nigeria would require responsible and compassionate leadership, stronger institutions, prudent management of public resources and citizens who remained committed to the country.
He described the people as Nigeria’s greatest resource, rather than the natural resources beneath its soil.
“If we get leadership right, we can get Nigeria right,” Obi declared.
He urged Nigerians to continue believing in the country, working for its progress and demanding a nation that works for everyone.
