The Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has attributed the high rate of poverty in the country to years of failed leadership, misplaced priorities, systemic corruption, policy failures and an absence of compassionate governance.

In a statement to commemorate this year’s International Day for the Eradication of Poverty on Saturday, Mr Obi cited a recent World Bank Report which revealed that over 139 million Nigerians now live in poverty, lamenting the high rate of poverty in the country.

“According to recent World Bank reports, over 139 million Nigerians now live in poverty, a figure that shockingly represents more than half of our total population, reflecting not only deep economic hardship but also years of failed leadership, misplaced priorities, systemic corruption, policy failures, and an absence of compassionate governance,” the politician wrote on X.

While noting that poverty is now a daily reality for millions of people, Mr Obi pointed out that “a nation cannot be truly great when the majority of its citizens live in poverty,” insisting “true progress is measured not by the wealth of the few, but by the well-being of all.”

The former Anambra governor called on leaders at all levels to cut the cost of governance and prioritise investment in education, healthcare, job creation and small businesses, which he said would provide a sustainable effort to lift our people out of poverty.

“I call on leaders at all levels to make poverty eradication the core of our governance priorities. We must invest in human capital through education, healthcare, job creation, and small businesses, which would provide a sustainable effort to lift our people out of poverty. 

“We must now, more than ever, restore productivity, reduce waste, and cut the cost of governance if we are truly committed to the fight against poverty,” the politician stated.