Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, used Father’s Day on June 21, 2026, to urge national reflection and renewed civic responsibility.
In a thoughtful message, Obi voiced alarm over what he called a gradual erosion of unity, security, and institutional strength across the country. He posed a stark question about Nigeria’s path: are current problems being forced on the nation, or are they the result of its own failings?
Drawing on memories of his youth, Obi painted a picture of a more cohesive Nigeria - one where religious, ethnic, and regional divides were less pronounced and people, whether students or professionals, primarily identified as Nigerians.
That sense of shared identity, he implied, has weakened over time, and reclaiming it will require deliberate civic action and a recommitment to national values.
Obi also reflected on his business and professional experiences, stating that trust and competence once formed the basis of partnerships, while the national currency held stronger value and Nigerians enjoyed greater respect abroad.
He further referenced a time when movement across the country was safer and more seamless, with improved security and stronger public confidence in national institutions. According to him, Nigeria’s armed forces and police were also more widely recognized for their contributions to international peacekeeping and stability.
The NDC candidate expressed concern that many of these gains have eroded, citing growing insecurity, weakened national cohesion, declining opportunities for young people, and reduced public confidence in governance and infrastructure.
He also raised concerns about Nigeria’s perceived diminishing influence in global affairs, pointing to recent international engagements such as the G7 summit, where he noted that countries like Egypt and Kenya were invited while Nigeria was absent.
Despite his concerns, Obi stressed that lamentation alone is not enough, urging Nigerians, especially fathers, to take responsibility for the future by promoting unity and accountability.
He called for active civic participation, including obtaining Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), voting responsibly, and protecting the integrity of the electoral process, insisting that meaningful change can only come through collective civic action and responsible leadership choices.
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