Political leaders focusing on ‘stealing’ 2027 poll while terrorists slaughter Nigerians: Obi

Mr Obi, who expressed sadness over the incident, said the attack depicted the painful reality many Nigerians endure.

Aduwo Ayodele • March 6, 2026

Peter Obi

Peter Obi, a former Anambra governor and the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has berated Nigerian political leaders’ alleged inaction on rising insecurity, following a terrorist attack on the Ngoshe community in Borno State.

In a statement on his X handle on Friday, Mr Obi described the targeted attack on the military base and an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp in the community as unacceptable.

Mr Obi accused leaders of showing indifference to the constant killings across the country, stating that concerned authorities are rather preoccupied with the next general elections.

“While Nigerians are slaughtered daily by terrorists, what is more troubling is that amid these daily killings, our political leaders are preoccupied with selfish schemings on how to steal, grab, and run away with the next election cycle and keep us in insecurity, poverty, and underdevelopment,” said Mr Obi.

The former governor, who expressed sadness over the incident, said the attack depicted the painful reality many Nigerians endure.

“How long will Nigerians continue to bear the consequences of poor leadership and mismanagement? How many more lives must be lost before decisive action is taken to secure our communities, protect the vulnerable, and dismantle the structures of these insurgents?” he queried.

Condoling with relatives and affected communities, Mr Obi emphasised the importance of safety and dignity and the need for government authorities to value human lives.

“To the families who have lost loved ones, to the children now displaced, and to the communities living in fear, I stand with you in grief and in resolve. Your pain is Nigeria’s pain. Your safety and dignity must be the priority of any government that claims to serve the people,” he noted.

Many people were killed in Gwoza after Boko Haram insurgents raided a military base and attacked the community.

In a statement on Thursday, the state police spokesperson, Nahum Daso, said the assailants stormed a military base around 1:00 a.m. on Wednesday before proceeding to the community.

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