Nigerian Catholic priest, Reverend Father Kelvin Ugwu, has shared a candid reflection on the state of the nation and the challenges facing the vision of a new Nigeria as championed by Labour Party’s Peter Obi.
In a social media post that has stirred debate, Fr. Ugwu acknowledged his deep respect for Peter Obi, commending the former Anambra governor for upholding Christian virtues and standing out from the typical Nigerian politician. “Peter Obi earned my respect because he is totally different from the politicians we are used to,” he said.
However, the outspoken priest expressed deep disappointment in Nigeria’s political and institutional realities, saying, “The type of new Nigeria that Peter Obi is advocating is not realistically possible. In fact, it is not even seraphically possible.”
Fr. Ugwu cited the conduct of the 2023 general elections, tribal and religious divisions, and the failure of institutions such as INEC, the judiciary, and the police as major roadblocks to meaningful change. He added, “With all that happened and the way Nigerians still argue based on tribe and religion, the new Nigeria will remain a dream — not achievable in the lifetime of anyone reading this post.”
