Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in Nigeria’s 2023 elections, has voiced concerns about the state of democracy in the country, calling it “suffering.” Obi made these remarks on Monday during a campaign rally in Akure, Ondo State, where he was supporting the party’s governorship candidate, Sola Ebiseni, ahead of the Saturday election.

Obi highlighted that Nigeria’s democratic struggles have led to “transitional politics” and widespread hardship. He urged Nigerians to join him in creating a new vision for the country, one that ensures equal opportunities for all citizens. “We know democracy is suffering in Nigeria now. But we still insist on campaigning to show Nigerians that this is the time to start building a New Nigeria,” he said. Obi envisioned a nation where a child from any background can succeed, where poverty is eradicated, children are educated, and hospitals are functional.

The Labour Party candidate criticized the current leadership, attributing the country’s problems such as corruption, insecurity, and poverty to a “dying democracy” plagued by poor governance. He urged voters in Ondo to reject vote-buying and resist inducements funded by stolen public money. “We want to stop stealing and start rebuilding,” he stated, emphasizing the need to shift the nation “from consumption to production” to create jobs and improve living standards.

Sola Ebiseni, the LP’s governorship candidate, echoed Obi’s call for change, promising a transformative vision for Ondo State. He reminded voters of the party’s achievements in the state between 2009 and 2017 under former Governor Olusegun Mimiko. “Our programmes, policies, and projects are everywhere. Every project you see in Ondo State is in the orange color of the LP,” Ebiseni said.

Ebiseni will compete against incumbent Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the APC, Agboola Ajayi of the PDP, and 14 other candidates in the upcoming election.