“Nigeria Is Suffering and Bleeding at 65,” Says Ralph Obioha

Elder statesman and former NADECO chieftain Chief Ralph Obioha — a veteran of the struggle to end military rule in Nigeria — warns that the nation is in deep trouble and outlines what must change ahead of 2027.

Obioha separates his assessment into two cores: the welfare of ordinary Nigerians and the responsibilities of leadership. He told Economy&Lifestyle that most citizens agree the country is headed the wrong way, noting a sharp decline in living standards and a rising cost of living that has put basic life beyond the reach of many.

“Most of what is available now is kind of targeted to attract the expenditure of 5% of the top Nigerians. And the nation doesn’t work on such basis,” he said, adding that many had expected a departure from past policies under President Bola Tinubu — expectations that, he argued, have been dashed.

The elder statesman urged the government to act swiftly to reduce hardship and tackle worsening insecurity. He painted a grim picture of travel and daily life, especially in the South-East, where he said violence can occur “in schools, hospitals, at homes, in the marketplace, anywhere” and often in broad daylight.

“If the government decides that some of these things can be arrested now, it can be arrested,” he said, urging a rejigging of the security apparatus and changes in leadership where officials are not delivering. He also criticised what he described as sectionalised appointments in security agencies.

Looking ahead to 2027, Obioha warned that escalating ethnic and regional tensions — including attacks on Igbo communities and claims that people are “taking our land” — risk creating deep and lasting divisions. He said such rhetoric should be handled by the judiciary rather than stoking public discord and predicted that even if tensions ease after elections, the accumulated “bad blood” will be damaging.

On NADECO’s origins, Obioha said he helped establish the organisation’s American branch after being given a mandate by eminent Nigerians. NADECO was registered in Nigeria, the U.S., and Canada; while its activity in Nigeria is limited today, NADECO USA remains active under figures such as Barrister Lloyd Ukwu.

Asked about a return to regionalism as a solution, Obioha described regionalism as “a very good start” to address Nigeria’s growing divisions, while cautioning against contradictory political logics and urging the rejection of divisive posture.

On Peter Obi’s presidential prospects, Obioha defended Obi’s offer to serve a single four‑year term as a sacrifice meant to strengthen the country: he argued Obi should be given the chance to test this claim and that Tinubu should accept if he cannot deliver on improving conditions.

Regarding the removal of fuel subsidy, Obioha said he supported the policy’s intent to end unjust enrichment but criticised the government’s failure to provide adequate cushioning for the poor. He called the rollout “a colossal mistake” that risks unleashing uncontrollable suffering and destabilising the country.

“The present or future presidency of Peter Obi is a promise… Nigeria is not only suffering, but also bleeding,” he said.

On the Igbo question, Obioha praised the Igbo for resilience and hard work and urged the country to harness those strengths, particularly in areas such as food production. He rejected the claim that the Igbo cannot speak with one voice, calling such assertions propaganda used to exclude groups politically.

On the detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, Obioha urged President Tinubu to resolve the matter, saying Kanu’s continued detention had fuelled insecurity in the South-East. “If he has committed any crime against the state, he has spent more than four years paying that price,” Obioha said, calling for Kanu’s release as part of a national healing process.

Turning to democratic institutions, Obioha criticised INEC and parts of the judiciary for undermining confidence in elections. He warned that manipulation of the popular will is “the biggest sin a state can commit” and urged election officials and officials of conscience to uphold free and fair contests.

He also lamented the role of some academics and officials who, in his view, have compromised electoral integrity by participating in malpractice. With declining participation in voter registration, Obioha warned that lost confidence in elections could do lasting damage to society.

Reflecting on his sacrifices for democracy, Obioha reiterated his belief that democratic rule is preferable to military dictatorship and called on all Nigerians to support the system. He appealed to President Tinubu to show leadership and, if unable to deliver, to allow another southern leader a chance.

On the perception that attacking the Igbo gains favour with government, Obioha blamed a small but influential set of opportunists who gain short‑term political mileage by denigrating the Igbo, and he urged leaders to identify and marginalise such figures.

Asked whether Igbo leaders are doing enough, Obioha acknowledged criticisms but said many have spoken up — citing the Ohanaeze president’s call for Kanu’s release and complaints about skewed appointments — and insisted the situation will eventually manifest tangible change rather than slide into anarchy.

Finally, Obioha warned that continued neglect and division risk inviting instability — “the Nepal experience” by which he meant a disorderly outcome — and urged peaceful, constitutional remedies: “Who makes a peaceful change impossible, makes violent change inevitable. We should pray for this country.”