By Muhammad Mamman
Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has called on citizens of Nigeria to join what he described as an “operation rescue Nigeria”, urging collective action to confront worsening insecurity, rising poverty and deepening economic hardship ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement shared with supporters, Obi appealed for nationwide mobilisation, saying the country stands at a critical crossroads.
“This is not about one man or one party. It is about rescuing Nigeria from systemic failure. I invite all well-meaning Nigerians to join hands so we can rebuild our nation,” he said.
Obi, who rose to national prominence during the 2023 elections on a reform-driven platform, pointed to spiralling food prices, youth unemployment, a weakening naira and persistent insecurity as evidence that urgent change is needed. He argued that millions of Nigerians are being pushed deeper into poverty while basic public services continue to deteriorate.
Across the country, communities are grappling with kidnappings, banditry and farmer–herder violence, while businesses struggle under high inflation and unstable power supply. Analysts say these challenges have eroded public confidence in governance and intensified calls for accountability.
Obi stressed that the 2027 elections must be about competence and integrity, not ethnicity or religion, urging voters—especially young people—to organise, register and actively participate in the democratic process.
“Nigeria has the human and natural resources to thrive,” he said. “What we lack is responsible leadership and a system that puts people first.”
Political observers note that Obi’s message is aimed at sustaining grassroots momentum while framing the next election as a referendum on national survival, amid growing frustration over the cost of living and security failures.
As the countdown to 2027 begins, his call adds to an increasingly charged political atmosphere, with many Nigerians demanding concrete solutions to unemployment, education gaps, healthcare shortages and the broader economic crisis.
