Presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi has called on Nigerian youths to take back their country, condemning what he described as a dangerous normalization of mass kidnappings under the current administration.
POLITICS NIGERIA recalls that there has been an escalation of insecurity across the country.
On May 15, 2026, coordinated school raids in Oriire, Oyo State, and Mussa town, Borno State, saw dozens of schoolchildren and teachers captured, with at least a teacher executed. Two days ago on June 3, 2026, heavily armed men raided Zamfara State University residences to abduct six students, while gunmen in Ibadan intercepted and kidnapped the younger sister of former Minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu, along with her 12-year-old twin sons.
Reacting to the wave of violence, Obi questioned why recent tragedies have failed to ignite the level of national and international outrage seen during the 2014 Chibok girls’ abduction, suggesting that political leaders have completely abandoned governance for early electioneering.
Obi a statement released on X, said:
“The abduction of the Chibok girls in 2014 triggered a global movement. One school abduction was enough to unite Nigerians, attract international attention, and place enormous pressure on the government through the #BringBackOurGirls campaign. Yet, what has happened since then should trouble every Nigerian.
“Under President Buhari’s eight years in office, Nigeria witnessed about ten school abductions. Under President Tinubu’s administration, in just three years, we have already recorded over ten school abductions. Despite these repeated tragedies, there has been neither sustained national outrage nor significant international attention comparable to what followed Chibok. This raises an important question: have we become so accustomed to insecurity that what once shocked our national conscience is now treated as normal?”
Obi further accused the political class of prioritizing future elections over the current suffering of citizens grappling with economic hardship and fear.
“At a time when millions of Nigerians are grappling with insecurity, poverty, and hardship, it is deeply troubling that those in power appear more focused on political calculations and preparations for the next election than on addressing the urgent challenges confronting our people. It is, therefore, no surprise that some observers have labelled us a ‘Now Disgraced Nation’.
“While we do not agree with any attempt to define our great country by its present difficulties, we must acknowledge that persistent insecurity, economic hardship, and leadership failure have damaged our reputation and standing among nations. The answer is not denial, propaganda, or political distraction. The answer is leadership that is competent, compassionate, accountable, and genuinely committed to the welfare and security of the Nigerian people.”
“The Nigerian youth must not become indifferent. We must all refuse to normalise failure. Young Nigerians – Take back your country!”
