Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has once again raised alarm over what he describes as the deep rot of corruption crippling Nigeria’s progress. In a statement shared on X titled “Corruption in Sports: A Reflection of Nigeria’s Deeper Malaise,” Obi expressed outrage over FIFA’s revelation that funds meant for stadium development and youth sports in Nigeria were allegedly mismanaged by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
The former Anambra governor called the situation “sickening and shameful,” stressing that it mirrors the broader decay in governance across all sectors. Obi recalled that while he was governor, land was allocated in Awka for a FIFA-funded stadium, but the project was never completed. He said despite Nigeria receiving about $25 million from FIFA and CAF since 2013, there’s almost nothing to show for it, citing the controversial $1.2 million Kebbi Stadium as “a national embarrassment.”
Obi lamented that corruption has not only weakened Nigeria’s institutions but also robbed young people of opportunities in sports, education, and employment. He condemned leaders who, in his words, “demarket Nigeria through theft and mismanagement,” insisting that true rebuilding must begin with integrity and accountability.
The ex-presidential candidate also criticized those who accuse him and others of “demarketing Nigeria” by speaking against corruption. “The real demarketers of Nigeria,” he said, “are the incompetent leaders who steal from public funds meant for schools, hospitals, and youth empowerment.”
He ended by calling for a moral and institutional reset, saying Nigeria will continue to “crawl where it should be soaring” unless corruption is confronted head-on.
“We cannot continue to watch our sports decline while corruption flourishes,” Obi said. “Our youths are our most valuable assets, but we have destroyed their future — and then turn around to call them ‘Yahoo boys.’ The real Yahoo is in leadership.”
