Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has said he is not desperate to become Nigeria’s president, insisting that his focus is on seeing the country work as a stable and functional nation.
“I’m not desperate to be president,” he said. “What I am desperate about is to see Nigeria work.”
He was speaking in Onitsha at season 3 of all-night praise, evangelism and empowerment programmes for youths organised by the Faithspiration Initiative, an empowerment and faith-driven project founded by Rev. Fr. Dr. George Adimike, Director of Communications, Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha and Chief Press Secretary to Archbishop of Onitsha and Metropolitan of Onitsha Ecclesiastical Prrovince, His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Valerian Maduka Okeke, where he addressed concerns about governance and the state of the country.
Mr Obi said Nigeria was currently not working “from all perspectives,” blaming what he described as widespread corruption, insecurity, greed and a lack of accountability among political leaders.
The event, held at the Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity, brought together young people, church leaders and other stakeholders under the theme “Ablazed with the Fire of God.”
During his address, Mr Obi criticised what he described as a culture of excessive wealth accumulation among some public officials, contrasting it with his personal lifestyle.
“I was born and bred in Onitsha and I still live here,” he said. “I travel for business and return to my home here because I do not have another house anywhere else.”
Alongside his speech, he supported a youth empowerment initiative at the programme, where 30 beneficiaries received 500,000 naira each. He urged them to use the funds responsibly and focus on making a meaningful impact.
“Money doesn’t make one happy,” he said. “What makes you happy is the life you have impacted and what you can share with others. Don’t pursue money; pursue what will change the world.”
The initiative’s founder, George Adimike, said the programme was designed to guide young people towards productive and faith-driven lives.
“We carefully select beneficiaries through applications, interviews and training,” he said, adding that the aim is to ensure sustainability and keep young people away from crime.
According to organisers, the initiative has empowered several youths in previous editions, with support from political figures and business leaders in Anambra State.
Mr Adimike added that the programme is open to both Catholics and non-Catholics and seeks to combine spiritual development with practical support for young people.