Labour Party 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi has alleged that more than 1,000 Nigerians have been killed and thousands abducted between January and February 2026.
Posting on his X account on Sunday, March 1, Obi described the level of violence across the country as worse than in nations officially at war. He criticised what he called the “politics of zero humanity,” accusing political leaders of prioritising strategies for the 2027 elections over the safety of citizens.
Obi wrote:
> “While politicians focus on the 2027 elections, the first two months of 2026 have reportedly seen over 1,000 Nigerians killed and thousands abducted. From Zamfara to Plateau, families have buried loved ones, and communities live in fear.
> In over 25 states, violent attacks, kidnappings, mass shootings, and assaults on civilians have shaken the nation. Yet public and political attention remains on party politics rather than human survival.
> Leadership is not about winning elections; it is about saving lives. Nigerians must come first. History will remember whether we acted while people were dying, not the strategies we perfected for 2027. A New Nigeria is possible.”
Obi’s statements highlight the urgent need for political leaders to prioritise the protection of citizens amid rising insecurity across the country.
