‘Nigeria’s Insecurity Deserves Int’l Scrutiny’— Peter Obi Hails Davido For Spotlighting Abducted Oyo Schoolchildren At World Cup Show
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 general elections, Peter Obi, has commended Nigerian music star, David Adeleke, better known as Davido for using his global platform to draw attention to the plight of abducted oyo schoolchildren, describing the gesture as a powerful statement on the country's worsening security situation.
Obi, in a statement obtained on Monday morning, said Nigeria's persistent insecurity deserves international attention, particularly in light of what he described as the government's inability to effectively tackle the crisis.
The former Anambra State governor also reflected on Nigeria's absence from the FIFA World Cup, arguing that the country's failure to qualify was not due to a shortage of talent but rather a failure of leadership to create the conditions necessary for young Nigerians to thrive.
According to him, the tournament itself offered clear evidence of Nigeria's untapped potential, as Nigerian entertainers continued to command global recognition while several players of Nigerian descent featured for other countries on football's biggest stage.
“Nigeria’s absence from the World Cup, as I previously stated, stems not from a lack of talent but from a conspicuous deficiency in political leadership that has failed to create an enabling environment for talent development,” Obi said.
“This assertion is underscored by two notable occurrences during the tournament: the vibrant participation and impressive performances of Nigerian artists, and the presence of numerous Nigerians representing other nations on the field.”
He said the development should serve as a wake-up call for political leaders to invest more deliberately in policies that support youth development and national progress.
“These observations present a significant imperative for Nigeria’s political leaders to actively foster an environment in which the nation’s youth can fully realize their potential,” he added.
Obi reserved special praise for Davido, whom he said went beyond entertainment by using the global event to spotlight the plight of schoolchildren and teachers reportedly abducted by bandits in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The NDC presidential candidate noted that the singer appeared in a customised black leather jacket carrying the message, “BRING THEM HOME,” alongside the names of 39 abducted schoolchildren and seven teachers.
“Davido’s impactful gesture in drawing global attention to Nigeria’s security challenges warrants commendation,” Obi stated.
“He prominently displayed the names of schoolchildren who had been held captive for an extended period, advocating for their safe return.”
“By utilizing his international platform, Davido effectively highlighted Nigeria’s security crisis, transcending mere entertainment.”
Obi argued that the security challenges confronting the country have reached a level that requires sustained local and international attention.
“The pervasive insecurity in Nigeria merits international scrutiny, particularly given the government’s apparent inability to effectively address the situation,” he said.
Despite the challenges, Obi expressed optimism about the country's future, maintaining that meaningful leadership and deliberate investment in human capital could still place Nigeria on the path of recovery and growth.
“Nevertheless, the prospect of a revitalized Nigeria remains achievable,” he said.