The 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has urged Nigerians to support his presidential ambition, saying he is seeking their mandate to tackle the country’s economic, security and social challenges.
Obi made the call on Friday in Onitsha, Anambra State, at a press conference marking the commencement of campaign activities ahead of the January 16 presidential and National Assembly elections.
He said Nigeria was facing serious challenges but remained convinced that the country could work and must work.
“With your mandate, our economic agenda will put production, investment, enterprise, and human capital at the centre of how we lead.”
Obi identified unemployment, weak infrastructure, unreliable power, insecurity and the high cost of doing business as major challenges affecting Nigerians and businesses.
He said millions of young Nigerians enter the labour market each year but struggle to find productive opportunities.
Obi Defends Experience, Kwankwaso Partnership
The NDC candidate said his private-sector experience, education and time as governor of Anambra State had prepared him for the presidency.
He also highlighted the experience of his running mate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, particularly his focus on education, technical training, scholarships, infrastructure and human-capital development while serving as Kano State governor.
Obi said their different experiences had produced a shared belief that Nigeria must invest in its people and manage public resources responsibly.
He urged voters to examine the records and proposals of all presidential candidates, ask difficult questions and demand evidence behind campaign promises.
“We should debate ideas without hatred, compete without violence, and disagree without weakening the bonds that unite us.”
Obi Outlines Economic Plans
Obi promised that an Obi-Kwankwaso administration would increase 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 gain greater value from its resources.
According to him, his administration would create a business environment where entrepreneurs can invest, employ workers and expand without unnecessary regulatory and infrastructure barriers.
He also pledged responsible management of public finances, insisting that every naira should have a clear purpose and major public investments should produce measurable results.
“The goal is not growth for its own sake but an economy that produces more, employs more people, creates wealth, and improves living standards.”
Obi Promises Security Reforms
On insecurity, Obi said his administration would improve intelligence gathering and coordination among security agencies, strengthen policing and border management, and make greater use of technology.
He also proposed decentralising security management while maintaining strong coordination between different levels of government.
He said farmers must be able to safely access their farms, children must be able to attend school without fear and businesses must be able to move goods securely.
“Farmers cannot produce food if they cannot reach their farms safely, children lose the chance to learn when they cannot attend school safely, and businesses cannot create jobs when they cannot move goods securely.”
