Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has formally commenced his campaign for the 2027 presidential election, presenting a broad policy agenda focused on security, economic growth, human capital development, healthcare, job creation and responsible management of public resources.
Obi unveiled his plans in a speech marking the commencement of the 2027 Presidential and National Assembly campaign season, saying the election provides Nigerians with an opportunity to assess the records, ideas and capacity of those seeking to lead the country.
He said he was entering the race with a firm belief that Nigeria can overcome its current challenges if its resources are properly managed and its people are given the opportunity to become productive.
“I enter this contest with one firm conviction: Nigeria can work, and Nigeria must work.”
Obi: Nigeria’s Challenges Require Results-Driven Leadership
The former Anambra State governor highlighted poverty, insecurity, unemployment, weak infrastructure, unreliable electricity and the high cost of doing business among the major problems confronting Nigerians.
He cited figures showing the scale of poverty and humanitarian challenges in the country, including the millions of Nigerians living at or below the national poverty line and those displaced by conflict and insecurity.
Obi said these figures should not merely be treated as statistics because they represent the daily experiences of families, farmers, workers, students and businesses.
According to him, Nigeria has the people, resources, talent, market and enterprise needed to overcome its difficulties, but leadership must turn those advantages into security, productivity and shared prosperity.
He said his experience in the private sector, academic training and eight years of service as governor of Anambra State had shaped his approach to public leadership.
“Public office is not a reward; it is a responsibility to the people.”
Obi said his administration in Anambra focused on education, healthcare, infrastructure, fiscal discipline and institutional development, while urging Nigerians to assess his record for themselves.
He also highlighted the governing experience of his running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, particularly his emphasis on education, technical training, scholarships, infrastructure and human-capital development during his tenure as Kano State governor.
Obi Promises Production-Driven Economy
A major part of Obi’s campaign message is his plan to move Nigeria away from what he described as a consumption-driven economy towards one centred on production.
He said the success of economic policies should ultimately be measured by whether Nigerians can afford food, education and healthcare, whether businesses can expand and create jobs, and whether young people can find productive employment.
With the mandate of Nigerians, Obi said his administration would prioritise production, investment, enterprise and human capital.
His proposed economic agenda includes improving agricultural productivity by securing farming communities, expanding irrigation, improving rural roads and storage facilities, and connecting farmers to finance and markets.
He also promised to strengthen manufacturing and agro-processing to enable Nigeria to export more finished products and obtain greater value from its natural resources.
“Nigeria cannot import its way to prosperity. We will produce more of what we consume, process more of what we produce, and compete more effectively in global markets.”
Obi said agriculture, manufacturing, technology, construction, energy, creative industries and services would all play important roles in his proposed economic transformation.
He also pledged to create a business environment where entrepreneurs can invest, employ workers and expand without unnecessary regulatory or infrastructure obstacles.
‘Every Naira Must Have a Clear Purpose’
Obi promised a different approach to public financial management, saying government spending must produce measurable results.|
He said his administration would cut wasteful expenditure while protecting investments that create jobs and expand productive capacity.
“Every naira should have a clear purpose, and major public investments should have measurable outcomes.”
He also pledged to increase public revenue without unnecessarily suffocating businesses and to invest in education, healthcare, security and infrastructure.
According to him, the objective would not simply be economic growth on paper but an economy that produces more, creates employment, builds wealth and improves living standards.
Obi Outlines Security Plan
The NDC candidate said economic development would be impossible without security, noting that insecurity has disrupted agriculture, education, trade and investment.
He proposed stronger intelligence gathering and coordination among security agencies, improved policing and border management, as well as greater use of technology.
He also backed decentralised security management supported by strong coordination between the different levels of government.
Obi said security policy must also address the conditions that make young people vulnerable to criminal recruitment.
“Farmers cannot produce food if they cannot reach their farms safely. Children lose the chance to learn when they cannot attend school safely.”
Youths, Education and Human Capital
Obi rejected the description of Nigeria’s large youth population as a burden, describing it instead as an enormous economic opportunity if properly developed.
He promised to improve basic education, strengthen universities and expand technical and vocational training.
He said Nigeria needs not only professionals such as doctors, engineers, scientists and lawyers, but also technicians, mechanics, builders, nurses, farmers, programmers, manufacturers, artisans and entrepreneurs.
According to Obi, the goal would be to turn Nigeria’s growing young population into a productive human-capital advantage.
Healthcare as an Economic Priority
The former Anambra governor also identified healthcare as a key component of his economic agenda.
He promised to strengthen primary healthcare, improve maternal and child health, expand access to essential medicines and provide healthcare workers with the resources needed to serve Nigerians effectively.
He argued that a productive economy requires a healthy population.
Obi Says Every Region Must Become Productive
Obi also outlined his vision for developing Nigeria’s regions according to their economic strengths.
He said the North-West could expand agriculture, livestock, irrigation, agro-processing and manufacturing while improving education and security.
For the North-East, he proposed greater reconstruction, livelihood restoration, agricultural development, education, enterprise and regional trade.
The North-Central, according to Obi, could strengthen food production and processing while responsibly developing its mineral resources.
He said the South-West could build further on its strengths in manufacturing, technology, finance, trade and the creative economy.
For the South-East, he proposed improved infrastructure, stronger connectivity and increased access to investment to support its entrepreneurial and industrial base.
The South-South, he said, should derive greater value from oil and gas while expanding maritime services, fisheries and agriculture alongside stronger environmental protection.
He added that the Federal Capital Territory should demonstrate what effective urban planning, transportation, housing, sanitation, security and public services can achieve.
“Every region must produce. Every region must contribute. Every region must benefit.”
Calls for Issue-Based 2027 Campaign
Obi urged Nigerians to carefully examine the records and proposals of all presidential candidates ahead of the election.
He called for tough questions, evidence-based promises and issue-driven campaigns, while warning against violence, hatred, ethnicity and religious politics.
He also said democratic accountability should continue after election day.
“Democracy does not end on election day. Citizens must continue to demand transparency, accountability, and results from those entrusted with the mandate to govern.”
Obi Challenges Candidates to Face Nigerians
The NDC presidential candidate challenged all those seeking the presidency to personally engage Nigerians, defend their records and subject their plans to public scrutiny.
He said no candidate should hide behind political proxies or surrogates while asking Nigerians to entrust them with the leadership of the country.
“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 said he and Kwankwaso would personally travel across the country to listen to citizens, understand their concerns and present their plans.
He argued that a presidential candidate who is unwilling to meet Nigerians, visit communities affected by insecurity and disasters, and answer their questions lacks the capacity to govern effectively.
‘A New Nigeria Is Possible’
Obi concluded by calling for national unity, saying a united Nigeria would be better positioned to strengthen institutions, promote fairness and hold leaders accountable.
He said the 2027 election should be determined by capacity, competence, compassion, character and commitment, rather than ethnicity, religion, propaganda, elitism or cronyism.
He pledged that an Obi-Kwankwaso administration would seek to unite Nigeria, improve security, promote inclusive economic growth and move the country from consumption to production.
“I commit to commencing the journey of resetting Nigeria by uniting it, securing it on the path of economic and inclusive growth, and moving our country from consumption to production.”
Obi ended his address by declaring:
“A New Nigeria is possible.”
Source: Peter Obi
