The Former presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has revealed his call for a Nigeria built on merit rather than personal connections, stressing the urgent need for a system where individuals can rise based on competence and hard work. He made this known while speaking at a Faith Inspiration youth empowerment programme, where he addressed young Nigerians on leadership, opportunity, and national development.
Highlighting real-life encounters, Obi recounted how individuals he had never met, including a commercial pilot and a man of God, publicly acknowledged benefiting from scholarship initiatives linked to him.
According to him, such testimonies reflect the kind of system Nigeria should build, one where opportunities are accessible without personal connections. He also expressed concern over the country’s employment challenges, citing the case of a first-class graduate working in a restaurant in Abuja as a troubling example of wasted potential.
Reaffirming his commitment to transparency, Obi challenged anyone with evidence of misconduct during his time in office to come forward. He stated that if any contractor can prove he demanded kickbacks, he would immediately quit politics.
Finally, his remarks underscore a broader message that Nigeria’s progress depends on integrity, fairness, and a deliberate shift toward a system that rewards merit over influence.
