Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, have criticised Nigeria’s leadership, saying the country’s vast human and natural resources have been undermined by years of poor governance.
The duo spoke at the opening of the 50th/15th Biennial Conference of the Methodist Church Nigeria in Ibadan, Oyo State. The conference, attended by delegates from across Nigeria and the diaspora, focused on the theme, “I Will Fight For You” (Exodus 14:14), with discussions centred on security, governance, economic recovery, justice and national development.
Makinde said Nigeria’s greatest challenge is not a shortage of resources or talented citizens but a failure of leadership.
“Our nation does not lack talent. It does not lack resources. What Nigeria needs now more than ever is leadership that can unite the people around a common purpose and place service above self,” he said.
The governor also publicly confirmed his intention to contest Nigeria’s presidency.
“It is no secret that I am running to be President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This is the kind of leadership I intend to offer if Nigerians give me the opportunity to serve. I seek your support and believe our nation’s best days are still ahead.”
Makinde also blamed corruption among political leaders for many of the country’s challenges.
“We politicians must stop seeing public office as an opportunity to steal public funds, including money we do not even need. That is one of Nigeria’s biggest problems,” he said.
Peter Obi, in his address, urged governments at all levels to prioritise investments in agriculture, education and healthcare instead of wasting public resources.
“Nigeria needs leaders with competence, capacity and compassion. We must move away from a culture of consumption and corruption to one driven by production and value creation,” Obi said.
The former Anambra State governor also expressed concern over the country’s worsening security situation, recalling his conversation with Governor Makinde following the abduction of pupils, teachers and their principal in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
According to Obi, he was surprised to learn that President Bola Tinubu had not contacted the governor after the incident.
“That should not happen. If criminals can enter our forests to abduct innocent citizens, the Nigerian state should be capable of entering the same forests to eliminate those criminals,” he stated.
Obi argued that insecurity continues to thrive because corruption has weakened public institutions.
“Non-state actors cannot become stronger than the Nigerian state unless corruption has compromised the system,” he said.
He also urged religious leaders to continue speaking truth to those in power, warning that silence could worsen the country’s challenges.
“The Church remains one of the few institutions that can still tell political leaders the truth. Continue to speak boldly because if Nigeria descends into chaos, no one will be spared.”
Obi further reminded leaders that public office should be about service rather than personal enrichment.
“There are two things money cannot buy. You cannot pay someone to be sick for you, and you cannot pay someone to die for you. Public funds must always be used for the benefit of the people.”
Methodist Church Raises Security, Economic Concerns
Earlier, the Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence Oliver Aba, called on the Federal Government to intensify efforts to tackle insecurity, describing banditry, kidnapping and killings as major threats to Nigeria’s survival.
He lamented that violent attacks had displaced farming communities in several states, disrupted food production and left many families devastated.
“Banditry, kidnapping and killings have turned once-thriving communities into places of fear and sorrow. Farmers have abandoned their lands, women have been assaulted and lives have been lost. Government must fulfil its constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property.”
The cleric, however, welcomed the recent rescue of pupils, teachers and their principal abducted in Oriire Local Government Area after spending 56 days in captivity.
“We thank God for the safe return of the abducted victims. We also commend the security agencies and all those whose efforts made their rescue possible. Sadly, two victims lost their lives in captivity, and we pray for their families.”
The Prelate also expressed concern over Nigeria’s economic difficulties, including rising inflation, the depreciation of the naira and increasing energy costs, urging the Federal Government to implement policies that would ease the burden on citizens.
He appealed to governments at all levels to demonstrate greater accountability and avoid negotiating with kidnappers, insisting that stronger security measures remain the best solution to the country’s security crisis.
The conference ended with renewed calls for responsible leadership, accountability, national unity and sustained prayers for Nigeria’s peace and progress.
