In his message to Sports-loving Nigerian youths, Peter Obi said, he felt a “measure of consolation” after watching the performances of Nigerian artists – Burna Boy, Davido and Rema – at the opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The former Governor of Anambra State said, all of that happened with the Super Eagles of Nigeria missing at the tournament.
Taking to X, the former African Democratic Congress (ADC) member stated the “fact” that, a lot of Nigerians are fielding for other countries; he mentioned Felix Nmecha, born to an Igbo Nigerian father and a German mother, representing Germany at the World Cup.
Nmecha netted the “fastest goal at six minutes” for the DFB Eleven. He called on Nigerians to have it in mind that, Nigeria “belongs to you, the youth”.
Obi said: “After watching the performances of Davido, Burna Boy, and Rema at the opening of the 2026 World Cup—at a time when Nigeria, the giant of Africa, is absent—I felt a measure of consolation.
“This was reinforced by the fact that many Nigerians playing for clubs worldwide are representing other countries. Felix Nmecha, for instance, set a record by scoring the fastest goal at six minutes for Germany. I write to you therefore, knowing that this country belongs to you, the youth.”
The 2027 Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Presidential candidate said, he has much of his “journey” behind him “while yours lies ahead”, and encouraged Nigerians to get their PVC, describing it as the “most powerful tool” required to bring about the “change you desire”.
Obi said: “You are more of stakeholders in Nigeria’s future than I am. I am 64 years old; by God’s grace, much of my journey is behind me, while yours lies ahead.
“It is therefore imperative that you rise to the challenge by obtaining your PVC, your most powerful tool for driving the change you desire.”
He said, he is aware a lot of Nigerians are doubtful about politics and political parties; he added, these doubts must not cause us to “surrender”.
Obi urged Nigerians, saying, becoming a member of any party is not necessary, and, no need waiting for anyone to come and “organise” them, but, charged the youth to organise themselves in their “streets, campuses, communities”, and participate in choosing their leaders.
“In the last three years alone, over 15 million Nigerians have turned 18—enough to decide who becomes President, Governor, Senator, Member of the House, or Local Government Chairman. Indeed, enough to shape the nation’s future”, Obi said.
He added: “I know many of you are sceptical about politics and political parties. I understand why, but scepticism must not become surrender.
“You do not need to belong to any party or wait for anyone to organise you. Organise yourselves in your streets, campuses, communities, workplaces, churches, mosques, and social groups. Mobilise, debate, demand accountability, and take part in choosing those you wish to entrust with leadership.”
The former Labour Party (LP) member pleaded with Nigerians to “register and vote”, saying, their votes can help to “shape” who emerges the next President of Nigeria.
Obi said: “Do not sit on the sidelines while others decide your future.
“I appeal to you to register and vote. Your vote can shape who becomes the next President of our country.
“My young friends, this is your country. Take it back.”
