Former presidential candidate and Labour Party leader, Mr. Peter Obi, has reacted strongly to a viral video showing students of Auchi Polytechnic fleeing for their lives as gunshots rang out during a student union election held yesterday. The violent incident reportedly led to the death of two students and left several others injured.
In an emotional statement shared online, Obi lamented the growing culture of lawlessness and violence among youths, attributing it to the poor example set by Nigeria’s political leadership.
“The society we abuse today will eventually take its toll on our children,” Obi wrote. “When we choose to conduct our public and personal lives with bad behaviour and rascality, we normalize criminality.”
He questioned the moral foundation that current leaders are passing on to the younger generation, citing the infamous quote, “fight, snatch it, grab it, and run with it,” often used to describe Nigeria’s flawed electoral process.
“Are they cursed, or are we—the political leaders—the ones who are cursed?” he asked rhetorically. “Our children are only imitating the examples we have set.”
Calling the incident not just a tragedy but a “national indictment,” Obi stressed the urgent need for political and societal reform. He urged leaders to reflect on their actions and take responsibility for restoring civility, integrity, and democratic values in the country.
“We must do better—for our students, for our children, and for our country. A New Nigeria is POssible,” he concluded.
