Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has called on Nigerians to embrace unity, civic responsibility and accountable leadership as essential steps toward rebuilding the country and securing a better future for the next generation.

In a Father’s Day message shared on Sunday, Obi reflected on Nigeria’s past and present, expressing concern over what he described as the nation’s declining security, national cohesion, economic fortunes and global standing.

“After attending church service and in my routine reflection, I find myself once again asking a difficult question: Are we cursed, or are we the cause?” he wrote.

The former Anambra State governor said he grew up in a Nigeria where people related freely across ethnic, religious and regional lines, and where business relationships were built on trust and competence rather than identity.

According to Obi, citizens also enjoyed greater security and freedom of movement, recalling journeys across the country without fear.

“I lived in Nigeria, where I travelled across the country—from Onitsha to Lagos, Maiduguri, and Calabar—without fear. Roads connected people, and life was more secure,” he said.

He further recalled a period when the naira held greater value, Nigerian passports attracted more respect internationally and the country’s security agencies earned recognition for their contributions to global peacekeeping efforts.

Obi said public institutions also commanded greater confidence, citing elections, universities, healthcare services and infrastructure as areas that functioned better than they do today.

“Today, as a father reflecting on Nigeria, I am pained that much of this has changed. Insecurity has grown, national unity has weakened, and many citizens no longer feel safe,” he said.

The opposition politician also expressed concern over what he described as Nigeria’s declining influence on the global stage, pointing to the recent G7 summit, where countries such as Egypt and Kenya were invited while Nigeria was absent.

“It is also worrisome that Nigeria’s influence in global affairs appears reduced,” he said.g

Obi urged Nigerians to participate actively in the democratic process by obtaining Permanent Voter Cards, voting responsibly and safeguarding the integrity of elections.

“As fathers, we must not only lament. We must not bequeath this reality to our children. We owe them a better Nigeria built on security, opportunity, fairness, and national pride,” he said.

He added that rebuilding the country would require collective responsibility, unity and determination from both leaders and citizens.

“With responsibility, unity, and determination, we can together build the new Nigeria that is possible,” Obi said.