Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called on Nigerians to embrace compassion, shared responsibility and people-centred leadership as the nation marks Christmas, urging leaders to measure progress by how well the most vulnerable are treated.
In a heartfelt Christmas message shared on X, Obi extended warm greetings to Nigerians and described Christmas as a season of deep reflection on values the country urgently needs. According to him, “Christmas is a season that calls us to reflect on the values of love, sacrifice, humility, and hope—values that are deeply needed in our nation today.”
Obi acknowledged the harsh economic realities confronting many households, saying the festive season has come at a difficult time for countless families struggling to afford basic needs. “I am deeply pained by the daily struggles of countless families who find it increasingly difficult to put food on the table or celebrate this season as they once did,” he said.
Despite the challenges, the former Anambra State governor expressed optimism, drawing strength from the message of Christ’s birth. He noted that “even in the darkest moments, a star of hope can still shine, guiding us toward renewal and better days ahead.”
Addressing Nigerians who feel neglected, Obi reassured them of his empathy and vision for inclusive governance. “To those who feel forgotten by those in power, I want you to know that I see you,” he said, stressing that leadership should be judged by impact on ordinary people, not by infrastructure alone. “True leadership is not measured by the height of our skyscrapers or the growth of our stock markets but by how we uplift the most vulnerable among us.”
He pledged commitment to a future where dignity and opportunity are accessible to all Nigerians, adding that no child should go hungry “in a land of plenty.”
Obi also highlighted solidarity as the true spirit of Christmas, describing it as visible in communities that share scarce resources and refuse to abandon one another. He called for renewed national commitment to service-driven leadership, prudent management of public resources, and policies that guarantee education, healthcare and a dignified life for every child.
“As we celebrate with our families and loved ones, may the joy of Christmas inspire us to lead selfless lives and contribute, in whatever way we can, to the peace, unity, and progress of our dear country,” he said.
He concluded with goodwill messages to Nigerians, wishing them “a joyful Christmas and a New Year filled with hope, good health, and renewed determination to build the Nigeria of our dreams,” reaffirming his belief that “indeed, a new Nigeria is POssible.”