In a stark encounter with Nigeria’s deteriorating infrastructure, 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi experienced firsthand the impact of poor road conditions during his attempt to attend a funeral in Esan Central, Edo State.

Obi, who set out at 8 a.m. on Saturday to join his close friend, General Cecil Esekhaigbe, in bidding farewell to Esekhaigbe’s mother, was forced to abandon his journey due to impassable roads.

Reflecting on his journey, Obi revealed his decision to take an alternative route through Agbor, having previously encountered challenges on the Benin route. However, he found himself stranded on a road riddled with potholes and obstructed by a broken-down trailer, creating a massive gridlock.

Turning to yet another route via Ugoneki Road, he faced further obstructions, ultimately making it impossible to reach his destination.

“The poor condition of many Nigerian roads breaks my heart,” Obi stated, highlighting his frustration with the country’s infrastructure woes. “Though it was impossible for me to physically attend, I remain in earnest prayers with my brother, Gen Cecil, for a successful event.”

Obi used this experience as an opportunity to urge political leaders to prioritize the rehabilitation and maintenance of existing infrastructure over initiating new, often incomplete projects. He expressed a vision for a future Nigeria where citizens can travel safely on well-maintained roads, which he describes as part of the “New Nigeria that is Possible.”

As Nigeria approaches the 2024 general election, Obi’s message underscores the need for comprehensive infrastructure reform—a central theme in his campaign as he strives to improve the quality of life for all Nigerians.