Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, recently spoke out on the state of Nigeria’s leadership and economic struggles, referencing President Bola Tinubu’s 2023 campaign slogan, “Emilokan,” meaning “It’s my turn” in Yoruba.
Obi expressed concerns over the resulting hardships, including the soaring cost of living, saying, “Rice is now N100,000, and we’re uncertain about our future.”
Speaking on the “Honest Bunch” podcast hosted by Nedu and Husband Material, Obi highlighted the adverse impact of the “it’s my turn” mentality on Nigerian citizens. The slogan, popularized during Tinubu’s campaign, has come to represent a self-serving approach to leadership, which Obi criticized as contributing to national hardship.
During the interview, Obi also addressed corruption, emphasizing that gender diversity in leadership could lead to more ethical governance. Reflecting on his tenure as governor of Anambra State, he shared his experience of appointing women to senior roles, including Chief of Staff and commissioners for Education and Planning, commending their dedication to public service.
“Women generally have a stronger commitment to family and societal welfare, which makes them less corrupt than men,” he observed. “Their family-centered dedication often drives them to ensure things function properly.”
Obi advocates for increased female representation in governance, suggesting that empowering women in leadership could strengthen integrity and reduce corruption across Nigeria.