By BONIFACE AKARAH

Former Anambra State governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has drawn a sharp contrast between the technological direction of India and the prevailing political concerns in Nigeria, warning that leadership priorities will determine national progress.

Obi’s remarks followed a message by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who commended citizens for standing at the forefront of artificial intelligence and expressed optimism that outcomes from an AI summit would shape “a future for their children that is progressive, innovative, and opportunity-driven.”

Reacting, Obi said the comparison highlights differing national conversations, stating, “While other nations are preparing their children for an AI-driven future, Nigeria remains trapped in conversations about electoral manipulation and systemic poverty.”

He maintained that Nigeria’s challenges are not rooted in capacity but in governance direction. “Our country is not lacking in talent or resources; what is missing is leadership defined by service, vision, and responsibility to the people,” Obi said.

The former governor further described the nation’s current condition as falling short of its potential. “What Nigeria is today is far from what it ought to be—a place where every child can dream freely and every citizen can thrive,” he added.

Obi emphasized that measurable progress depends on leadership values, noting that “leadership must be measured by compassion, commitment, and character, not by personal gain or political convenience.”

His comments add to ongoing national conversations about governance priorities, youth development, and the role of technology in economic transformation, as policymakers and civic voices continue to debate Nigeria’s development path in comparison with rapidly advancing economies.