We have allowed corruption to take root – Peter Obi warns Nigeria

Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, has issued a stark warning about the extent of corruption in Nigeria, insisting the country has permitted graft to become deeply embedded in its institutions and governance systems.

Obi stated that corruption is no longer a peripheral problem but a “root system” that has infiltrated many levels of public office.

According to him, it is this pervasive corruption that continues to undermine development, fuel poverty and hinder the nation’s progress.

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“This is yet another shameful reflection of the corruption we have allowed to take root in Nigeria. If we truly desire to rebuild our country, we must begin with integrity and accountability in every aspect and sector,” he said.

He pointed to examples such as large amounts of public funds unaccounted for annually, abuse of budget processes, contract inflation, and the mismanagement of development projects as visible markers of the problem.

Obi argued that a country cannot function properly when corruption dominates governance. He cited data showing widespread poverty, rising unemployment, food insecurity and an eroded middle class.

He further noted that the corruption problem is especially acute in critical human-development sectors, health, education and infrastructure, where the misuse of funds has direct consequences for citizens’ lives.