Peter Obi Warns Hunger Will Worsen Unless Nigeria Elects Leaders Who Put Citizens First

Former Anambra State Governor and 2027 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has warned that Nigeria’s worsening hunger crisis will continue to deepen unless the country elects leaders who place the welfare of citizens above personal and political interests. Obi made the remarks while reacting to a recent warning by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), which said more than 17 million people in northern Nigeria are at risk of acute hunger.

In a statement posted on his X account, Obi described the UN report as “disheartening” and argued that the looming food crisis was entirely avoidable. He said northern Nigeria has traditionally served as the nation’s food basket and questioned how a country blessed with vast agricultural resources could be facing such severe food insecurity. According to him, “nothing short of incompetent and irresponsible leadership” could have allowed the situation to deteriorate to its current level.

Obi attributed the growing hunger crisis to two major structural problems: widespread insecurity and the inability of farmers to access their farmlands. He noted that banditry, insurgency, and violent attacks have forced many farming communities to abandon agricultural activities, drastically reducing food production across parts of northern Nigeria. He argued that securing farming communities should be a national priority if the country hopes to guarantee food security.

The former governor also criticised what he described as superficial government responses to food insecurity. Rather than relying on temporary relief measures, he urged authorities to invest in long-term agricultural reforms, including improved rural infrastructure, irrigation systems, support for smallholder farmers, and agro-industrial development. He maintained that Nigeria must shift its economic focus from consumption to production if it hopes to overcome hunger and poverty.

Obi further called for stronger collaboration with international partners, including the World Food Programme, to address funding gaps and provide emergency assistance to vulnerable communities while sustainable solutions are implemented. He stressed that Nigeria possesses enough fertile land and human resources to feed its population if the right policies are put in place.

The comments come as political activities ahead of the 2027 general election continue to gather momentum. Obi, who recently emerged as the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has consistently positioned food security, agricultural development, economic productivity, and compassionate leadership among the central themes of his campaign.

Concluding his statement, Obi said a hunger-free Nigeria remains achievable but insisted it would require leaders who genuinely value the lives and livelihoods of ordinary citizens. “A new Nigeria, devoid of hunger and mass poverty… remains attainable,” he said, adding that the country must prioritise productive investment over projects that do not directly improve citizens’ welfare.