The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, Mr. Peter Obi, has urged Nigerians to consistently pray for politicians, describing them as the major challenge confronting the country.

 

Obi made the call on Sunday during a Thanksgiving Service to mark the 50th anniversary of Oyo State, held at the Cathedral of St. Peter’s, Aremo, Ibadan.

 

According to him, Nigeria is richly endowed but continues to struggle due to poor leadership and governance, stressing that meaningful change can only occur if political leaders commit themselves to serving the public good.

 

“I want to make a request to Nigerians to please always remember us politicians in prayers. We are the problem of Nigeria. No other person,” Obi said.

“Nigeria is not a poor country but only poorly governed. Remember us in your prayers that God should touch our hearts to use public money for public good.”

 

The former Anambra State governor, who recently joined the African Democratic Party (ADC), also praised Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, for what he described as purposeful leadership and visible transformation across the state.

 

Obi noted that Ibadan remains a historic city of knowledge and hope, recalling his recent visit to the state earlier in the week.

 

“It is always an honour to be in Ibadan. I was here on Tuesday to visit the University, and I was telling somebody that this is a historic town where all of us, as Nigerians, come because it is a city of knowledge and a city of hope,” he said.

 

He commended the pace of development in Oyo State, acknowledging comments by the cleric who officiated at the service on the state’s progress under Makinde’s administration.

 

“I appreciate the preacher on what he said about how the state has developed under Governor Seyi Makinde. I thank Governor Makinde for faithfully serving the people,” Obi added.

 

As Oyo State marks its golden jubilee, Obi offered prayers for sustained growth and exemplary leadership in the years ahead.

 

“As you celebrate this 50th anniversary, I pray that the next fifty years of the great state will be exemplary. May God continue to bless our governor and all the members of his team,” he said.

 

He further revealed that he was present at the beginning of Makinde’s administration, where he was invited to address members of the governor’s cabinet, expressing appreciation for what he termed Makinde’s “exceptional work” in office.