According to a report by Punch Newspaper on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, has expressed concern over the worsening living conditions facing Nigerians both within and outside the country, stating that many citizens subjected to xenophobic attacks in South Africa still prefer to remain there rather than return home.
He said the situation reflected the deep economic and social difficulties confronting Nigerians.
Obi made the remarks shortly after returning to Nigeria, during a dinner organised for NDC aspirants in Abuja on Monday.
The former presidential candidate used the occasion to speak about the increasing hardship affecting citizens and the declining confidence many Nigerians have in the country’s conditions.
According to a statement released on Tuesday by the NDC media team, Obi recounted efforts aimed at assisting Nigerians experiencing difficulties in South Africa.
He explained that some citizens who were approached about returning to Nigeria declined the opportunity despite the hostile conditions they were facing abroad.
He stated that many of the affected Nigerians insisted that remaining in South Africa was preferable because they believed the situation back home had become more difficult.
Obi said the responses he received from those individuals reflected the level of frustration and hopelessness many citizens now feel regarding economic opportunities and security in Nigeria.
The former governor also criticised the Federal Government over what he described as inadequate support for Nigerians facing hardship outside the country.
He said the authorities had not done enough to protect citizens abroad or provide meaningful assistance to those struggling with economic and social challenges in foreign countries.
Obi further raised concerns about the deteriorating security situation in Nigeria, noting that the country once played a significant role in international peacekeeping operations.
He said Nigeria had historically contributed to global security efforts and had gained recognition for its involvement in maintaining peace in different parts of the world.
“Nigeria played a role in securing nations since the Second World War. We have been part of peacekeeping and commanded United Nations peacekeeping forces globally.
“But today, Nigeria cannot secure itself. This is unacceptable,” he said…See More
