Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has voiced deep concern over the United States’ recent designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) and its warning of possible military intervention. He described the development as a wake-up call for Nigerians.
Obi highlighted the nation’s escalating insecurity, citing reports that over 10,000 Nigerians have been killed since May 2023.
He said these deaths are largely avoidable and attributed the worsening situation to weak leadership, poor governance, and a lack of commitment from those in power.
While acknowledging that insecurity predates the current administration, Obi criticized the ruling APC government for incompetence and ineffective management of national resources.
He stressed that Nigeria should be a country where justice and peace prevail, without oppression or fear.
Obi urged constructive diplomatic engagement between Nigeria and the United States, calling on both countries to strengthen cooperation and adopt peaceful, practical solutions to the security crisis.
He stated:
“The recent pronouncement by the US declaring Nigeria a ‘Country of Particular Concern’ and the indication of possible military action should alarm every Nigerian. Nigeria is experiencing unprecedented insecurity, with shocking loss of lives and property. According to Amnesty International, over 10,000 people have been killed since May 2023. This is avoidable with competent leadership.”
He added that both nations, as strategic partners, should work together to address the prevailing security challenges.
The comments come after US President Donald Trump, on his Truth Social account, instructed the Department of War to prepare for possible action in Nigeria. Trump accused the Nigerian government of ignoring the “mass slaughter of Christians” and warned that the United States could halt all aid and possibly intervene militarily.
Trump said:
“If the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the U.S. will immediately stop all aid and may go into that country ‘guns-a-blazing’ to wipe out the Islamic terrorists responsible for these atrocities. I am instructing our Department of War to prepare for possible action. If we attack, it will be fast, vicious, and sweet, just like the terrorists attack our cherished Christians.”
