Former Prime Minister Peter O’Neill has announced his intention to return to the country’s top job, declaring that “Papua New Guinea stands at a defining moment and needs “experienced, steady leadership to fix the current mess.”
In a detailed statement released few hours ago, O’Neill said his decision to accept nomination for Prime Minister was driven not by ambition but by duty.
“Leadership is not about power or privilege, but about service and responsibility,” he said.
O’Neill, who led PNG from 2011 to 2019, said the country’s economy was “over-indebted and under strain,” while citizens face “a rising cost of living, a collapsing health system, and worsening law and order.”
He pledged to restore confidence, rebuild economic stability, and deliver a people-first government that listens.
Outlining his vision, O’Neill promised a government focused on job creation, rural empowerment, and national ownership of key assets.
“We must ensure jobs and profits stay at home and put our countrymen and women first, not foreign interests,” he said. He also vowed to reclaim national assets, invest in health and education, and deliver a free and fair 2027 National General Election.
In a striking commitment, O’Neill declared he would retire from politics in 2027 after ensuring a credible election.
“I will serve faithfully until the next National General Election and then retire permanently from politics,” he said.
“My sole purpose now is not to build a career but to steady our nation and prepare a new generation of leaders.”
O’Neill also issued a call for unity across Parliament, urging MPs to look beyond politics, beyond party lines, and beyond personal differences. He said the nation’s democracy had been “weakened by division and autocracy,” and that “section 145 of the Constitution has been hijacked” to prevent lawful leadership challenges.
“The Constitution does not belong to any one man or party – it belongs to Papua New Guinea. It is time we lived it again,” he declared.
Calling for calm and courage, O’Neill told citizens, “Our future will be bright. We will emerge from this dimly lit time to a prosperous and peaceful future.”
He ended with a rallying plea: “Let us build a government grounded in transparency, accountability, and the rule of law – and restore the dignity of leadership for our people.”
Leave a Reply