As campaigns commence for the 2027 general elections, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Mr Peter Obi has marshalled his plans for Nigerians, pledging to run a campaign devoid of ethnicity and religion.
Obi, who spoke to journalists at a world press conference in
his home in Onitsha, Anambra State on Friday, also gave a blow by blow account
of how he will develop the country, including his areas of concentration in the
various regions of the country.
He said the election is no doubt a defining moment for
Nigeria’s democracy, and that it gives Nigerians the opportunity to assess the
records, ideas, and plans of those seeking their mandate to lead their country
at a time of grave uncertainty in a rapidly changing world.
Part of his text read: “I consider myself quite privileged
to be one of those seeking your mandate to deal with these challenges facing
our country. I enter this contest with one firm conviction: Nigeria can work,
and Nigeria must work. Nigeria faces several serious challenges. Some of them
are indeed of existential proportions.
“According to the IMF, 63%, or over 140 million Nigerians,
live at or below the national poverty line, while humanitarian agencies
estimate that 35 million people will need food assistance during the 2026 lean
season. About 3.6 million Nigerians remain internally displaced, largely
because of conflict and insecurity.
“Each year, millions of young people enter the labour
market, yet too many struggle to find productive opportunities. Weak
infrastructure, unreliable power, insecurity, and the excessive cost of doing
business continue to burden households and constrain enterprise. These are more
than statistics. They reflect the daily realities of Nigerian families,
farmers, workers, students, and businesses.”
Pledging to run a campaign devoid of ethnicity and religion,
Obi said: “The campaign period gives every citizen an opportunity to join the
national conversation. I urge Nigerians to examine each candidate’s record and
proposals, ask tough questions, and demand evidence behind every promise.
“We should debate ideas without hatred, compete without
violence, and disagree without weakening the bonds that unite us. When
Nigerians make their choice, that choice must be respected.
“Nigerians must reject and disregard any campaign driven by
propaganda, ethnicity, religion, elitism, or cronyism. As my team and I travel
across the country, we will listen to Nigerians, understand their needs and
concerns, and assure them that we have the competence, character, and
compassion to lead and reset Nigeria for the benefit of all.”
Espousing the strength of the six geopolitical zones, Obi
said: “Nigeria’s diversity is an economic strength. Each region has distinct
assets, and national policy must unlock those assets while connecting them to
one productive economy.
“The North-West can expand agriculture, livestock,
irrigation, agro-processing, and manufacturing while strengthening education
and security. The North-East can speed up reconstruction, restore livelihoods,
and expand agriculture, education, enterprise, and regional trade.
“The North-Central can strengthen food production and
processing while developing its mineral resources responsibly. The South-West
can build on its strengths in manufacturing, technology, finance, trade, and
the creative economy.
“The South-East can expand its entrepreneurial and
industrial strength through better infrastructure, stronger connectivity, and
greater access to investment. The South-South can derive greater value from oil
and gas while expanding maritime services, fisheries, agriculture, and other
productive sectors, supported by stronger environmental protection.
“The Federal Capital Territory must demonstrate what
efficient urban planning, transportation, housing, sanitation, security, and
public services can achieve. Every region must produce. Every region must
contribute. Every region must benefit.”
The presidential hopeful took the opportunity to speak about
his pedigree in governance, saying, “My successful private-sector experience,
studies in institutions of repute on policy and business matters, and my
service as Governor of Anambra State have shaped my understanding of public
leadership. Government must manage resources responsibly, set clear priorities,
and measure the outcomes of its decisions. Public office is not a reward; it is
a responsibility to the people.
“In Anambra, I prioritised the foundations of long-term
development; education, healthcare, infrastructure, fiscal discipline, and
institutional capacity. I do not present that record as perfect, but as an
experience from which Nigerians can draw their own conclusions.
“Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso brings a different but
complementary governing experience. As Governor of Kano State, he focused
strongly on education, technical training, scholarships, infrastructure, and
human-capital development. His administration’s investments in education and
skills showed an understanding that the people are a state’s most important
long-term resource.
“Our experiences are different, but our conclusion is the
same: Nigeria must invest in its people and manage public resources with
discipline,” Obi stated.
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