The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has officially joined the 2027 election campaign with a pledge to unite the country, tackle insecurity, reduce poverty and transform Nigeria into a productive economy.

Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, made the declaration in a national address on Friday, August 21, following the commencement of campaigns for the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections on August 19.

In his address, Obi said the election presented Nigerians with an opportunity to scrutinise the records, policies and capacity of the candidates seeking to lead the country.

He said, “I enter this contest with one firm conviction: Nigeria can work, and Nigeria must work.”

The NDC candidate painted a difficult picture of the country, citing widespread poverty, food insecurity, internal displacement, unemployment, poor infrastructure, unreliable electricity and the high cost of doing business as some of the major challenges confronting Nigerians.

According to him, the challenges facing the country should not be viewed merely as statistics because they reflect the daily experiences of families, farmers, workers, students and businesses.

Obi, however, maintained that Nigeria possesses the human and natural resources required to overcome its challenges.

“We have the people, resources, market, talent, and enterprise. What we must do now is turn these strengths into security, productivity, and shared prosperity,” he said.

Obi outlines economic agenda

The former Anambra governor said his administration, if elected, would prioritise production, investment, enterprise and human capital development.

He promised to improve agricultural productivity by securing farming communities, expanding irrigation, upgrading rural roads and storage facilities, and connecting farmers to finance and markets.

He also pledged greater support for manufacturing and agro-processing, saying Nigeria must process more of what it produces and increase its exports of finished goods.

Obi said his government would seek to create a business environment that would allow entrepreneurs to invest, employ workers and expand without unnecessary regulatory and infrastructural obstacles.

“Every naira should have a clear purpose, and major public investments should have measurable outcomes,” he said.

He added that the objective would not simply be to achieve economic growth but to build an economy capable of creating jobs, generating wealth and improving the living standards of Nigerians.

Security takes centre stage

On insecurity, Obi described security as the foundation for economic development, arguing that no country can prosper when its citizens cannot safely live, farm, travel or conduct businesses.

He called for improved intelligence gathering, stronger coordination among security agencies, enhanced policing and border management, as well as increased use of technology.

The NDC candidate also advocated the decentralisation of security management, while stressing the need for effective coordination between different levels of government.

According to him, addressing insecurity must also involve tackling 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. Businesses cannot create jobs when they cannot move goods securely,” Obi stated.

Obi, Kwankwaso highlight governing experience

Obi also spoke about his experience as Anambra governor, saying his administration focused on education, healthcare, infrastructure, fiscal discipline and institutional capacity.

He acknowledged that his record was not perfect but said it provided Nigerians with an opportunity to assess his approach to governance.

He also referenced Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, noting his experience as governor of Kano State and his emphasis on education, technical training, scholarships, infrastructure and human capital development.

“Our experiences are different, but our conclusion is the same: Nigeria must invest in its people and manage public resources with discipline,” Obi said.

Young Nigerians, healthcare get attention

Obi rejected the perception that Nigeria’s growing youth population was a burden, describing it instead as an opportunity that could deliver significant economic benefits if young Nigerians were properly educated and equipped with relevant skills.

He promised to strengthen basic education, improve universities and expand technical and vocational training.

He also identified healthcare as a critical component of human capital development, pledging to improve primary healthcare, maternal and child health, access to essential medicines and working conditions for healthcare professionals.

Calls for regional development

The presidential candidate said every region of the country must become economically productive and benefit from national development.

He outlined areas of potential growth across the six geopolitical zones, including agriculture and manufacturing in the North-West, reconstruction and regional trade in the North-East, food production and mineral development in the North-Central, and manufacturing, technology, finance and creative industries in the South-West.

He also highlighted the entrepreneurial and industrial potential of the South-East and called for greater value from oil and gas, maritime services, fisheries and agriculture in the South-South.

Obi said the Federal Capital Territory should serve as an example of efficient urban planning, transportation, housing, sanitation, security and public services.

“Every region must produce. Every region must contribute. Every region must benefit,” he declared.

Obi challenges presidential candidates

The NDC candidate also challenged all presidential contenders to make themselves available to Nigerians throughout the campaign.

He urged voters to examine candidates’ records, question their proposals and demand evidence to support their promises.

Obi said candidates should not rely on surrogates or remain behind the “high walls of power” while seeking Nigerians’ votes.

“No candidate should hide behind the high walls of power, send proxies or surrogates to the hustings, and expect Nigerians to entrust them with the leadership of the country,” he said.

He further stated that presidential candidates must travel across the country, engage directly with citizens and understand the challenges confronting communities affected by insecurity, criminality, terrorism and flooding.

Obi said he and his running mate would personally take their campaign message to Nigerians rather than delegate the responsibility to proxies.

He concluded by pledging to unite Nigeria, improve security, promote inclusive economic growth and move the country from consumption to production.

“A New Nigeria is possible,” Obi declared.