Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has declared that Nigeria's numerous challenges can be effectively addressed from the Northern region, describing the area as "the future asset of the country."

Speaking at a gathering of Northern Nigerian leaders under the umbrella of the National Political Consultative Group, which included former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Obi emphasized that insecurity and crime plaguing the North are direct consequences of poverty.

"The North has voted for religion and tribe in the past; this is the time to vote for something else, a time to consider competence and capacity," Obi stated, urging the region to prioritize education as the most effective approach to tackling poverty.

The Labour Party standard bearer recalled the economic strength the North once possessed, noting that during his banking career, "Kano was the place they came for cash," lamenting that "today, all the industries in Kano are gone."

Drawing comparisons with successful agrarian nations like Bangladesh and the Netherlands, Obi asserted that Northern Nigeria possesses greater potential than these countries. However, he identified good governance, effective policies, and proper implementation as the missing elements needed to harness this potential.

Obi also highlighted the importance of building trust among Nigerians to address the country's multifaceted problems beyond ethnic and religious considerations.

Earlier at the event, former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, delivered a keynote address where he expressed concern over the security situation in the North and advocated for creating a platform to rescue the region.

The gathering, which appeared to be part of ongoing political consultations ahead of future elections, drew significant attention as it brought together various political figures from across different party lines.