Oyo governor seeks support for 2027 ambition as Peter Obi says corruption and poor leadership remain Nigeria’s greatest challenges.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has formally declared his intention to contest for the presidency, while the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, blamed Nigeria’s persistent challenges on poor leadership despite the country’s abundant human and natural resources.
The two leaders spoke on Wednesday at the opening of the Methodist Church Nigeria’s 50th/15th Biennial Conference in Ibadan, where delegates from across Nigeria and the diaspora gathered under the theme, “I Will Fight For You” (Exodus 14:14).
Addressing the conference,Governor Makinde said Nigeria’s greatest challenge is not a lack of resources but the absence of purposeful leadership.
“Our nation does not lack talent. It does not lack resources. What Nigeria needs now more than ever is leadership that brings people together around a common purpose and the courage to place service above self,” he said.
The governor then publicly announced his presidential ambition.
“It is no secret that I am running to be the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This is the type of leadership I will offer if I am given the opportunity to serve Nigeria. I solicit your support, and I am confident that with faith in God and commitment from all of us, our best days as a nation are still ahead,” Makinde said.
He expressed optimism that the conference would strengthen national unity and renew hope for Nigeria’s future.
In his address, Peter Obi also maintained that leadership failure remains Nigeria’s biggest problem.
“There is nothing wrong with Nigeria. The only thing wrong with Nigeria is leadership. We have enough land to cultivate the food we need, enough human capital to develop like any nation, and enough natural resources to generate wealth. What we lack is responsible leadership,” he said.
Obi cited rising food insecurity as evidence of governance failure, noting that countries with fewer resources outperform Nigeria in agricultural production.
He accused political leaders of prioritising personal enrichment over national development and urged governments to invest more in agriculture, education and healthcare.
“We need leaders who have competence, capacity and compassion. We must move Nigeria from consumption and stealing to production and value creation,” he said.
Obi also criticised the Federal Government’s response to the abduction of pupils, teachers and their principal in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, saying the Nigerian state must demonstrate greater resolve in confronting insecurity.
According to him, corruption has weakened the country’s institutions, allowing criminal groups to thrive.
Earlier, the Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence Oliver Aba, called on the Federal Government to tackle worsening insecurity, inflation and economic hardship.
He urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to take decisive steps to address rising inflation, the depreciation of the naira and high energy costs, while strengthening security operations across the country.
The cleric also commended the recent rescue of abducted pupils, teachers and their principal in Oyo State but mourned two victims who were killed during the abduction, calling on government at all levels to prioritise the protection of lives and property.
He further urged political leaders to demonstrate accountability, reject ransom payments to kidnappers and remain committed to improving the welfare of Nigerians.