Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), has described Nigeria’s latest ranking on the Global Terrorism Index as a troubling reflection of poor leadership. He noted that the country remains one of the most terrorised in the world, with a significant rise in terrorism-related deaths.
Nigeria recorded the highest global increase in terrorism-related deaths in 2025, with fatalities rising by 46 per cent from 513 in 2024 to 750. This places the country fourth on the Global Terrorism Index, behind Pakistan, Burkina Faso and Niger.
In a statement shared on X on Thursday, Obi said that while many countries are recording a decline in terrorism, Nigeria appears to be moving in the opposite direction.
“This trend is a direct result of misplaced priorities, weak governance, corruption, a lack of rule of law, and the persistent neglect of security, which is the government’s most fundamental duty.
“From the insurgency of Boko Haram to the growing threat posed by the Islamic State West Africa Province, the crisis of kidnapping, and unchecked violence in our rural communities by heavily armed bandits, Nigerians are dying daily while those in power continue to feast,” Obi said.
He questioned the role of the government in ensuring citizens’ safety, asking what purpose it serves if it cannot protect lives, and why tragedy is being normalised in Nigeria while other countries continue to make progress.
“This is not the Nigeria we should accept. We cannot continue down this path. It is time to move from excuses to action, and from failure to measurable progress.
“A safe and secure Nigeria is not too much to ask; it is the right of every citizen, and it must be delivered,” he added.