Words
In his
own words
Said in public, dated, and linked to where it was said.
“Nigeria cannot import its way to prosperity. We will produce more of what we consume, process more of what we produce, and compete more effectively in global markets.”
Campaign launch, Onitsha · August 2026 · Leadership
“Our march to a New Nigeria cannot be halted. A detour, yes, but the destination is certain.”
On the Lokoja court order against the NDC · June 2026 · Vanguard
“Education is the most critical investment you can make.”
Donation to Kubwa Anglican school and hospital, Abuja · May 2025 · Vanguard
“Shift emphasis from consumption to production.”
Chatham House, London · January 2023 · Labour Party, full text
“The trouble with Nigeria is simply and squarely a failure of leadership.”
Chatham House, London · January 2023 · Labour Party, full text
“Turn our youth bulge into a demographic dividend, rather than today's harvest of a time bomb.”
Chatham House, London · January 2023 · Labour Party, full text
“A new Nigeria is POssible.”
His sign-off on X, and the title of the 2022 manifesto · December 2022 · X, @PeterObi
“Go and verify my background. If you find any criminal activity linked to me or any member of my family, I will immediately stop campaigning to be your President.”
Campaign trail, 2022 · October 2022 · Political Economist
“It is not the turn of anyone to become the President of Nigeria. It is the turn of Nigerians to reclaim their country.”
Responding to the phrase emi lo kan during the 2022 campaign · September 2022 · Vanguard, As tough as nails (2)
“Life is not about ownership of millions or billions, but about what did you do to add value. I just make money, save what I can, use what I need and give out the rest.”
Interview, ThisDay · February 2020 · ThisDay
“This is the only watch I have. I have owned it for seventeen years.”
The Platform, Lagos · April 2017 · Vanguard
“My job is not to make people happy. Mine is to make good decisions.”
The Platform, Lagos · October 2016 · BellaNaija
“You have no country but this one. No one can build it for you.”
The Platform, Lagos · October 2016 · BellaNaija
“Government house is not a restaurant. I told my cook to cook for only one person.”
The Platform, Covenant Christian Centre, Lagos · October 2016 · BellaNaija