Abuja, 12 June 2025 – In a compelling address marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day, Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in 2023, urged swift government action to address the dire humanitarian crisis facing millions of internally displaced persons (IDPs) across the country, describing their plight as a “profound tragedy” that challenges the nation’s values.

Speaking to journalists, dignitaries, and citizens in Abuja, Obi highlighted the appalling conditions in IDP camps, where families are separated, children lack access to education, and essentials such as food, clean water, and shelter remain scarce. “This is unacceptable in a nation as richly endowed as ours,” he stated, calling for immediate measures to ensure the safety, dignity, and reintegration of displaced individuals.

Obi proposed a three-pronged strategy to tackle the crisis: bolstering security to curb the violence driving displacement, implementing sustainable resettlement programmes to empower IDPs, and improving access to healthcare, education, and economic opportunities. Emphasising the transformative power of education, he declared, “Educating our children is not an expense; it is an investment,” urging equal educational opportunities for children in IDP camps.

The address also underscored the broader significance of Democracy Day, celebrating Nigeria’s democratic resilience while acknowledging challenges to progress. Obi called for a collective recommitment to democratic ideals, envisioning a Nigeria where “every voice is heard, justice prevails, and no one is left behind.”

Responding to speculation about a potential opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 election, Obi neither confirmed nor denied involvement, stating, “My focus remains on the urgent needs of our people and the pursuit of a better Nigeria.”

The speech concluded with a rallying call for unity among government, civil society, and citizens to build a nation worthy of pride, closing with a blessing for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.