Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has blamed Nigeria’s worsening poverty on poor leadership and a culture of celebrating corrupt officials. He made the comments while receiving members of the Association of Skilled and Vocational Artisans of Nigeria (ASVAN) in Abuja.

Obi, the ex-governor of Anambra State, said Nigeria is rich in natural and human resources but struggles due to weak governance and misplaced priorities. He noted that bad leadership has kept citizens in hardship despite the country’s potential.

He also criticized a societal culture that honours public officials accused of corruption. “We are poor because we have chosen to be poor. We give titles and front-row seats of honour to those who steal public funds,” Obi said.

The former governor stressed that corruption diverts funds meant for schools, hospitals, and productive sectors. “Underfunding education and healthcare slows national development and keeps the people impoverished,” he added.