Chuks Okocha in Abuja
Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the last general election, Peter Obi, took a swipe at the crisis plaguing the leading political parties in the country, stating that the crisis affecting his party, was a child’s play compared to the challenges in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Addressing a press conference yesterday in Abuja, Obi urged Nigerians to shift attention from the 2027 presidential election and concentrate on how to address the poverty, education and water crisis facing Nigeria as no one could predict those to contest the 2027 presidential election.
He also appealed to privileged Nigerians to spare a percentage of their wealth and contribute towards alleviating water and education challenges affecting pupils in Nigeria
“I am not campaigning. I am not desperate to be president of Nigeria. But I am desperate to address the problems and challenges facing this country.
“The problems or crisis affecting the Labour party is a child’s play when compared with the PDP and APC crisis. But one thing that I can assure you is that the crisis in the Labour party would be resolved soon,” he said
Obi explained that Nigerians were always concerned with the problems affecting the political parties, but “we are not concerned with the challenges of the future like in the challenges of water, poverty and education in Nigeria.
On the audit of the Labour party, Obi said an auditor hadbeen appointed to audit the account of the party and soon, the report would be made public.
On the Water Challenge, he said “During my recent nationwide tour, particularly in some states in Nigeria, I witnessed firsthand the continuous dire need for access to water, which costs about 5 million Naira each.
“In response, I have initiated efforts to provide water by undertaking the drilling of boreholes in various communities. Recognising Nigeria’s vast population and the unequal distribution of wealth.”
Speaking on the challenge of education, he said, “Furthermore, I acknowledge the pressing issue of out-of-school children across Nigeria. Yesterday, I had the privilege of visiting the Madarasatul Hidayyatul Auladi Muslimima Almajiri school in Kawo, Kaduna State.
“During the visit, like others, I had the opportunity to interact with the young people. I also spent time immersing myself in Quranic learning alongside. Witnessing their enthusiasm for Quranic education reaffirmed my belief in the untapped potential within these young students, proficient in Arabic reading and writing.”
