Peter Obi accepts NDC presidential ticket, unveils vision for security, economy, national renewal

…Urges Nigerians to bridge ethnic, religious, political divides

By Henry Umoru

ABUJA — Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has formally accepted his nomination as the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, for the 2027 presidential election, unveiling an ambitious agenda focused on security, economic recovery, healthcare, education and national unity.

Obi’s affirmation came on Saturday during the NDC Special Convention held at Le Finesse Event Centre and Garden, Abuja, where delegates endorsed him as the party’s flagbearer.

Accepting the nomination, Obi declared that “a New Nigeria is Possible,” describing the moment as a call to national renewal rather than a personal political achievement.

“This pivotal moment transcends the individual ambitions of Peter Obi; it concerns the essence of our nation and the future of our children. It is about rekindling hope for millions who have faced adversity yet remain committed to Nigeria,” he said.

The former Anambra State governor expressed gratitude to party leaders, supporters and Nigerians who have continued to believe in the possibility of national transformation.

He pledged that under his leadership, democracy would be guided by integrity, fairness and transparency, while urging Nigerians to overcome ethnic, religious and political divisions.

According to him, national unity remains the foundation upon which meaningful development must be built.

“Nigeria cannot advance while fragmented by ethnic, religious, regional or narrow political divides. We may communicate in different languages and practise diverse faiths, but we share a singular destiny under one flag.

“Our diversity should not be a source of division; rather, it is among our greatest strengths,” Obi said.

Security

Addressing the nation’s security challenges, Obi lamented what he described as the worsening security situation across the country and promised to implement an intelligence-driven, technology-enhanced and community-focused security architecture.

He said no nation could prosper while its citizens lived in fear, stressing that farmers, students, investors and communities must feel safe.

“We must address insecurity with resolve and urgency, for no nation can thrive while its citizens live in trepidation. The primary responsibility of government is to ensure the safeguarding of lives and property,” he said.

Obi pledged to strengthen security institutions, improve operational coordination and tackle the root causes of insecurity, including poverty, unemployment and marginalisation.

Healthcare

On healthcare, Obi described Nigeria’s health sector as severely underperforming, citing poor primary healthcare coverage and inadequate health insurance penetration.

He promised to increase healthcare spending and improve access to health services nationwide.

“Within four years, we will increase our healthcare budget to a minimum of 10 per cent of GDP and ensure that every ward in Nigeria has a functional primary healthcare centre,” he said.

According to him, at least half of the country’s estimated 30,000 primary healthcare centres would become fully functional by the end of his first term.

Education

The NDC presidential candidate also identified education as a key pillar of national development, promising greater investment in schools, teachers, technology and vocational training.

“Education will remain at the forefront of our national revival because no country can grow beyond its educational system,” Obi said.

He added that Nigerian youths should be equipped not only to seek jobs but also to create employment opportunities through innovation and entrepreneurship.

Agriculture and food security

Speaking on hunger and food insecurity, Obi described Nigeria’s ranking among the world’s hungriest nations as unacceptable despite its vast agricultural potential.

He argued that the country’s pathway to prosperity lies in transforming agriculture from subsistence to large-scale production.

“Transitioning our nation from consumption to production through significant investments in agriculture is the only dependable strategy for escaping hunger and poverty,” he said.

Power sector

Obi also promised to address Nigeria’s electricity deficit, describing the country’s current power generation capacity as inadequate for its population and economic needs.

He pledged to increase electricity generation and distribution by at least 10,000 megawatts within four years.

“This considerable power shortfall continues to cripple businesses, choke industries and stall economic growth,” he said.

Jobs and economy

On unemployment, Obi said official figures did not reflect the reality facing millions of Nigerian youths.

He promised to support micro, small and medium enterprises through tax incentives, affordable financing and targeted investments in agriculture, manufacturing, entertainment, sports and distribution.

According to him, such measures would stimulate job creation and economic growth.

Governance and rule of law

Obi also pledged to reduce corruption and the cost of governance through transparency, accountability and prudent management of public resources.

“Nigerians will witness a tangible and verifiable reduction in corruption and the baseline costs associated with governance,” he said.

He further promised strict adherence to the rule of law and respect for democratic institutions.

“Our democracy will exemplify true governance of the people, by the people and for the people. Under my leadership, democracy will be pursued with integrity, fairness and transparency,” Obi said.

He urged Nigerians to unite behind a common vision for national progress, insisting that the country’s diversity should serve as a source of strength rather than division.

“We must heal, unify and progress together,” he added.

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