Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has pledged to tackle corruption, insecurity, unemployment and rising living costs, promising emergency interventions across critical sectors if elected president in 2027.
Speaking in Abuja at a dinner following the inauguration of the NDC National Presidential Campaign Council, Obi, who is running alongside former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, outlined his vision to build a productive nation that lifts millions of citizens out of poverty.
The event followed the party’s third National Executive Committee meeting, the presentation of certificates of return to its candidates, and the unveiling of its newly acquired national secretariat at 393, Etang Obuli Crescent, Jabi, Abuja.
Obi criticised the Tinubu administration over the country’s economic and security challenges, accusing it of failing to translate increased borrowing and fuel subsidy removal into higher productivity or improved living conditions.
He alleged that over 140 million Nigerians are multidimensionally poor, with roughly 16 million pushed into extreme poverty this year alone.
Faulting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for blaming past administrations during the launch of his re-election campaign in Kaduna last Saturday, Obi stressed that an NDC government would focus strictly on measurable results, rather than playing the blame game.
He maintained that the purpose of governance was to solve problems, stating that he and Kwankwaso would not blame predecessors, but would instead demand immediate improvements.
Addressing public corruption and financial leakages, Obi promised to demand strict accountability from public office-holders and ensure those found culpable answer to the law.
He questioned the execution of the 2023, 2024, and 2025 federal budgets, alleging that capital expenditure remained below 20 per cent, while contractors struggled to receive payments.
He challenged the Federal Government to properly account for its revenues, expenditures and projects, insisting that public funds must be used strictly for the public good.
On national security, Obi promised a direct, hands-on leadership style, pledging to personally visit communities affected by violent attacks in Plateau, Benue, Zamfara, Sokoto and Borno states.
He linked improved security directly to economic revival, announcing plans to declare an emergency in agriculture, particularly across northern Nigeria. Restoring security, he noted, would allow farmers to return to their farms, boost food production, lower food inflation and supply raw materials to domestic industries.
The NDC candidate also presented specific economic interventions aimed at revamping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Pointing out that Nigeria’s 40 million SMEs receive under five per cent of bank lending, he pledged to mandate that over 20 per cent of bank credit goes to small businesses, complemented by tax holidays and financial incentives.
In addition, Obi pledged to declare an emergency on power generation, transmission and distribution to reduce operating costs for manufacturers and households.
On healthcare and education, he reaffirmed a commitment to establish a functional primary healthcare centre in every ward within two years, while driving educational reforms to ensure equal opportunities for all children regardless of their background.
He criticised President Tinubu’s frequent foreign travels, urging political leaders to devote closer attention to domestic crises, while respecting citizens’ political rights without harassment. Describing the upcoming 2027 polls as a revolution of the ballot, Obi called on Nigerians to demand free, fair and credible elections.
Earlier, NDC National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas, described the gathering as a key milestone in the party’s mission to rescue Nigeria.
He noted that candidates’ certificates of return carry security codes to prevent unauthorised claims, emphasising that the party will hold its elected officials strictly accountable for their campaign promises.
NDC National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, referred to the newly acquired national secretariat as the party’s administrative hub for strategic planning and campaign coordination ahead of the 2027 general election.
Prominent party figures present included Senator Victor Umeh, Rivers State governorship candidate Dumo Lulu-Briggs, and Adamawa State governorship candidate Senator Aisha Binani.