Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has said Nigerians deserve leaders who will engage them directly, listen to their concerns and provide clear solutions to the challenges facing the country.
Obi spoke in Onitsha, Anambra State, while marking the commencement of his 2027 presidential campaign alongside his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso.
He said their campaign would focus on tackling insecurity, poverty and hunger, reducing the number of out-of-school children and improving education and healthcare.
“Every candidate seeking the presidency must have the courage to come before the people, answer their questions, defend their records, and subject their vision to public scrutiny.”
Obi Says Leaders Must Face Nigerians
The former Anambra governor said effective leadership requires empathy and direct engagement, particularly with communities affected by insecurity, terrorism, criminality and natural disasters.
He said he and Kwankwaso would personally take their campaign to Nigerians rather than rely on proxies.
“You cannot truly lead people you are unwilling to visit, listen to, and understand.”
Obi urged Nigerians to examine the records and proposals of all presidential candidates, ask difficult questions and demand evidence behind their promises.
He also called on political parties and supporters to conduct issue-based campaigns and avoid violence, hatred, ethnic and religious sentiments.
“We should debate ideas without hatred, compete without violence, and disagree without weakening the bonds that unite us.”
Obi Promises Economic Reset
Obi said his administration would seek to reset Nigeria by strengthening national unity, improving security, promoting inclusive economic growth and moving the country from consumption to production.
He promised to cut wasteful spending while protecting investments in job creation and productive capacity.
He also pledged to increase public revenue without stifling businesses and invest in education, healthcare, security and infrastructure.
According to Obi, Nigeria’s economic reforms must ultimately translate into better living conditions, stronger human capital and greater opportunities for citizens.
“Nigeria’s challenges are real, but so are its opportunities.”
Calls for Accountability Beyond Elections
Obi stressed that citizens must continue to hold elected leaders accountable after elections.
“Democracy does not end on election day.”
He said Nigeria has the people, resources, enterprise and creativity needed to build a safer and more productive country, but competent leadership is required to turn those opportunities into tangible results.
Obi said the 2027 election should be guided by capacity, competence, compassion, character and commitment, rather than ethnicity, religion or political propaganda.
