Peter Obi, a former Labour Party presidential candidate, has urged #Endbadgovernance demonstrators to avoid violence and allow the country a chance at peace.

While acknowledging the terrible loss of life during the statewide hunger and suffering protest that began on Thursday, Obi emphasized the necessity of nonviolent marches in a statement released late Friday via X.

Obi stated, “I like to express my heartfelt condolences to the families of all those who have lost their lives in the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protests. I truly lament the loss of our brothers and sisters in the quest for a better nation.”

Recognizing the demonstrators’ demands, Obi expressed optimism that their voices would be heard, adding, “I do hope that their legitimate demands, within the law, will not go unanswered.”

He urged demonstrators to adopt a peaceful attitude, saying, “I will continue to urge the protesters to be decent citizens and to behave peacefully. I implore them to avoid all forms of violence, since we cannot build a new nation by destroying what we now have.

Obi also urged security agencies to be restrained in their response to the protests.

“I also call on the security agencies to remain civil in their security of lives and property in the ongoing protests,” according to him.

Obi also voiced hope about Nigeria’s potential.

“I sincerely believe that Nigeria will rise in the future, and that issues such as hunger, poverty, insecurity, corruption, and mismanagement of public funds will be a thing of the past.” Then Nigeria will be one of the world’s most outstanding countries, leading in both human and national development,” he said.

At least 17 people are said to have died as a result of the protests in Abuja, Kano, Niger, Borno, Kaduna, and Jigawa states.

Businesses and banks were closed, and main roadways were desolate. The protests resumed Friday, with police and protestors clashing in several parts of the country.