Peter Obi, who represented the Labour Party in the presidential race for the 2023 election, has claimed that over 1,000 Nigerians have lost their lives, with thousands more kidnapped, in the period from January to February 2026.
Obi made this assertion on his account on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday and emphasized that the violence in Nigeria surpasses that which is typically seen in officially war-torn countries.
He condemned what he termed a "politics of zero humanity" among political leaders, accusing them of focusing on the 2027 elections instead of prioritizing the safety and security of Nigerian citizens.
"It is profoundly disturbing that while we, the politicians, continue to obsess over the 2027 elections—spending our energy scheming about how to capture, grab, and run the next election—the first two months of 2026 have reportedly seen the killing of over 1,000 Nigerians and the abduction of several thousand others," Obi stated.
He highlighted the tragic situation in various regions, saying, "This is the painful reality confronting our nation. From Zamfara State to Kwara, Ondo, Kebbi, Edo, Benue, Adamawa, Plateau, and many other states, families have buried loved ones, and communities have been emptied by gunshots and fear."
Obi alleged that attacks by bandits and terrorist groups have impacted more than 25 states, lamenting that these issues have not garnered adequate attention from the authorities responsible for ensuring the safety of citizens.
"In over 25 states across all geopolitical zones this year alone, there have been major violent attacks on innocent citizens, kidnappings by armed bandits, mass shootings, village invasions, and brazen assaults on worshippers and travellers," he declared.
He noted that the magnitude of violence in Nigeria during the first two months of the year has been even worse than what is typically observed in countries at war. Yet, he expressed concern that discussions about these tragedies are overshadowed by debates on political strategies, zoning formulas, and party structures.
The former governor of Anambra State expressed disappointment that while political leaders debate power sharing, ordinary Nigerians are facing funerals. Reflecting on the recent attacks in the Doruwa Babuje community in Plateau State, he shed tears witnessing families bury their dead while the media and leaders were preoccupied with party issues and the 2027 elections.
"We must elevate human life to a sacred status in our national priorities. Leadership is not about winning elections; it is about saving lives," Obi said.
He asserted the need for a unified resolve to build a Nigeria free from bloodshed, indicating that governance should be assessed based on the safety and dignity of the populace rather than political supremacy. Obi concluded with a poignant reminder, stating, "History will not remember how many strategies we perfected for 2027; it will remember whether we acted when Nigerians were dying. We must choose Nigerian lives over politics. We must put Nigerians first."
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