(DDM) – Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has raised alarm over the recent declaration by the United States government naming Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC), citing alleged religious persecution and rising insecurity across the country.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that in a statement posted on his official X handle, Obi expressed deep worry over reports that the U.S. was considering possible military action in response to what it described as Nigeria’s worsening human rights situation.
He warned that the development should serve as a wake-up call to every “well-meaning Nigerian,” noting that the current state of insecurity and violence had reached unprecedented levels.
Obi, referencing Amnesty International data, said over 10,000 people have been killed in Nigeria since May 2023, a figure he described as “horrific and avoidable.”
He lamented what he called “unwarranted and unprovoked killings” across the country and insisted that such bloodshed was preventable under competent and committed leadership.
DDM reports that Obi did not spare the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing its leaders of gross incompetence, poor governance, and failure to secure lives and property.
According to him, “While the insecurity did not start with the present government, what is most unfortunate is the lack and absence of competence, commitment, prudent use of resources, patriotism, and passion on the part of the APC-led leadership to effectively govern and galvanize the nation.”
He said Nigeria should be a country “where no one is unwarrantedly oppressed or killed, a nation where peace, truth, and justice reign.”
The Labour Party leader urged both the U.S. and Nigeria to pursue constructive diplomatic engagement rather than allow tensions to escalate into confrontation.
He emphasized that Nigeria and the United States have historically maintained strong democratic and strategic ties focused on regional peace and security.
Obi appealed for urgent collaboration between both nations to address the root causes of violence, human rights abuses, and governance failures fueling the crisis.
The statement comes amid widespread outrage over reports that the U.S. government may consider targeted sanctions or military options against Nigeria over its human rights record and rising sectarian killings.
DDM notes that Washington’s designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” places it alongside nations such as North Korea, Iran, and Myanmar, countries accused of grave violations of freedom and human rights.
Political observers say the development could trigger diplomatic strain between Abuja and Washington unless swift measures are taken to de-escalate the situation.
As calls for accountability intensify, Peter Obi’s statement has added fuel to the political tension, with supporters hailing him for “speaking truth to power,” while APC loyalists accuse him of “politicizing national security.”
The controversy underscores Nigeria’s growing instability, with both domestic and international actors warning that failure to act decisively could plunge the nation into deeper turmoil.